Match One: Tamworth Swans v New England Nomads at Number One Oval
We are getting closer and closer to the business end of the season and this game is vitally important to both clubs. The Nomads got the win they needed last week in Gunnedah to stay in the hunt for top spot, while the Swans will be rested after a week off but need the win to stay in the hunt for a finals berth. Just like every game this weekend, the ledger between these clubs in 2012 is 1-1, with the Swans winning Round 1 and the Nomads in Round 7. That match was the last time the Nomads were on the wide expanse of Bellevue Oval and this match marks the end of their long road trip. With that in mind, and the uni holidays coming to a close, the boys from Armidale will enter this match with plenty of confidence. They still need to produce their best effort this weekend, but are being lead with distinction by player/coach Tom Granleese, who has instilled in his team a tough resilience that they have lacked in previous campaigns. Their backline has been stingy at best this season, with Clinton Ballagh, Zac Economou and Jon Frost providing strong defense and good rebound. The Swans have been close to a breakout performance all year, and will take confidence from that Round 1 win. Their midfield has been superb all season, with their experienced campaigners in Gav Knee, Damien Wendt and Andrew Donohue consistently in their best. That trio will need to win plenty of the ball from the centre in order for the Swans to get this win. They are not without a chance here, but it’s hard to tip against the Nomads.
TAFL Tipster – The boys from Armidale will be too good across the park and win by 22 points.
Match Two – Inverell Saints v Tamworth Kangaroos at Varley Oval
The match of the round pits the league leading Saints against the Reigning Premier Roos. These two clubs are certainly no strangers to each other, and have produced some memorable clashes over the past 5 seasons. In Round 1, the Saints demolished an understrength Roos at Varley, but the boys from Tamworth got revenge with a four goal win 6 weeks later. The Roos have been building solidly towards the finals, and are starting to hit their straps at just the right time. They have lost only one match in their past 8, and that was by just a point to the Nomads a month ago. Tim Cotter has his team playing some enterprising footy, and they have a game plan that plays to their strength of speed and skill out wide. They could well take advantage of the wide Varley playing field, with young guns Alex Hudson and Lachlan Maloney always enjoying the extra space to run and carry. If Matt Hodge continues his brilliant form, the ever dangerous Roos midfield could have a field day. The Saints have re-found their groove following a spluttering mid-season slump. They took sole ownership on top of the ladder after their thrashing of the Nomads a fortnight ago and have put themselves in pole position for a home semi final. A win here almost guarantees them top spot at the end of the regular season and that should be motivation enough for the boys from the Sapphire City. Their strength has been up front this year, with Mike Gould currently leading the race for the Gerry Griffiths Medal, and with Alex Walker and Chris Whitton returning to form, there are plenty of attacking options. And one can’t forget coach Jason Gobbert, who has been a literal mountain up front in recent weeks. This match shapes up as yet another classic battle between the two heavyweights of the competition. Anything could happen!
TAFL Tipster – Just because a tip is needed, the Saints by a point.
Match Three – Muswellbrook Cats v Gunnedah Bulldogs at Werriman Field
The Cats are another team that is returning home following an extended time on the road, and they return with renewed vigour following a tough win over the Swans a fortnight ago. The Dogs are coming off that close loss to the Nomads last week and will have still taken some confidence from the battle, being in the clash all the way to the final siren. They have started to gel of late, and remain the front runners for the final spot in the TAFL finals, but whichever side wins this clash will hold that fourth spot in Saturday night. The Cats have blooded a raft of young stars this season and will be all the better for it in the future. They have become an entertaining running side, but still have the ability to take the game right up the middle with typical hard-nosed aggression. Their ruckmen Jarrod Braybon has been on fire this season, and has continually stood up to the best rucks in the league and held his own. His supply to the midfielders in Jai Pursell and Beau Dixon is important here. John Mahy has been impressive up front of late, and his combination with veteran Stu McAdam can provide some punch for the Cats. The Dogs have one of the strongest midfields in the competition. With the recent return of Scott Hardy, and the consistent play of Andrew George and Paul Brown, they have the ability to run sides ragged through the middle. The rejuvenation of veteran Chris Gee up front has been a revelation for the Dogs and when the midfield get forward to chip in it helps immeasurably. This match could come down to service out of the midfield for either side, and how well each forward line finished off that good work.
TAFL Tipster – The Dogs to get over the line and put a foot in the final by 12 points
Last Modified on 11/07/2012 15:27