GAME 1: Narrabri Eagles v New England Nomads
This match is hard to read, with the Eagles having been very tough opponents at Leitch Oval this season but the Nomads having much more to play for. The New Englanders were pretty ordinary in their last match, but looking at their website they have put their hands up to that so a much more committed green machine can be expected to go into this weekend. Whitby remains a big loss, as is Omaf - - Omiphe - - the big ruckman, but across the ground the Nomads remain competent and should go into this match as favourites. The Eagles have come a long way in one season and having claimed one big scalp in the Swans at home will have the taste of blood in their mouths. The Eagles midfield have been right on their game of late, but they will have to be nullify the natural talents of Pearce and Maxwell. The Narrabri defence should stack up pretty well against the Nomads though, and if their midfield can match it the visitors might struggle to get in sight of the sticks. I can feel an upset brewing with the Eagles looking to win their last home game of the year, and will put my head on the chopping block.
THE DRUM: Eagles by two goals.
GAME 2: Muswellbrook Cats v Tamworth Kangaroos
This the last home match for the Cats for 2010, and despite still being unable to post a win the Cats have played some good footy this year. A home match should mean the Cats will be close to full strength for this, and at their best they have ball winners across the park that can make life tough for anyone in the League. The Kangaroos were very flat when beaten by Gunnedah and on that occasion if Cotter or Robinson didn't do it, it just didn't happen. I have heard whisperings that some Roos are not as dedicated as their coach might like, and I wonder who will get on the bus for this with them finishing in second place regardless of the results to come. Howarth up front will be a headache as he is near impossible to match up on, and the strength of McAdam, brilliance of Warner and toughness of Scott and Howard add another dimension. The Cats matched the Roos for three quarters of their last encounter, and as I said of them last week the lure of a win will lift them if they are in striking distance at three-quarter time. The Roos do know how to find the line but and I expect them to leave Muswellbrook bruised but with four points in the suitcase.
THE DRUM: Kangaroos by four goals.
GAME 3: Gunnedah Bulldogs v Inverell Saints
The Saints have the minor premiership stitched up and one might expect them to ease themselves into the finals, but that is not the Saints way. They are fierce competitors and will be looking to keep the roll on right to the big show in 2010. The big question is what pack of Dogs will emerge from the kennel on Saturday? If it is the one that demolished the Kangaroos two weeks ago then the Saints are in for a right tussle. If it's the outfit that the Dogs have presented about a month before that, then Wolsley will be a killing field for the Saints. With this a must-win to get a finals spot, I think the Dogs will be in the right mood to meet the League leaders. A fortnight ago Hardy was unstoppable, Brown and George their usual measured and impressive selves, but they will meet a different midfield for this one. If they can match the Saints toughness at the contest and clear the ball cleanly, the Dogs can use the ball very well and can kick a big score here. Wheeler is just as effective for the Saints if not shut down, and that is no easy task. Pay has been good for the Saints in the ruck, but Naismith is growing into a dominant force. His strong hands and thumping boot are very hard to stop, and matching his mobility will be the big challenge for Inverell. Peter Chapman was amazing a fortnight ago and if he repeats that effort at half back, the Saints will have to be direct with the ball to penetrate the fifty. The Dogs have plenty that can kick a goal, but they don't have a Viney to kick a bag. If he gets in the mood few can stop him, and I can see his five or six making the difference here.
THE DRUM: Saints by three goals.
Last Modified on 05/08/2010 09:10