GAME 1: Tamworth Swans v Narrabri Eagles
A loss to the Swans here could cost them third place and a home match in the first week of the finals. This should be a huge motivator for them against a Narrabri team with little more than pride to play for. Both teams have had a freshen up, with the Swans returning after three weeks off and the Eagles having had a fortnight's rest, so the opening quarter could be a little scratchy from both. The Eagles beat the Swans in their last match after the Tamworth team had had a lengthy break forced on them by the weather, which will give them some confidence of what would be an upset. They have a hard working midfield that can match it with the experience in the centre for the Swans, but despite playing some good matches against the better teams this year I expect they will struggle to compete right across the park for a full four quarters. I can see the Eagles struggling to penetrate the Swans back fifty to post a winnable score, and can't see the defending Premiers surrendering third spot.
THE DRUM: Swans by eight goals.
GAME 2: New England Nomads v Gunnedah Bulldogs
Where it not for match cancellations that cost Gunnedah dearly in it's late run into the finals, this match could have been an absolute cracker. Gunnedah have been in good form and their midfield of Naismith, Brown, George and Hardy look amongst the League's best when they fire. Mawxell, Pearce and Reid can be equally hard to stop for the Nomads, and the struggle in the centre in this should be enthralling. Whitby's return for the Nomads a fortnight ago was a big plus, and his six goals against the Eagles won the match for the students. He will face a sterner test against the Dogs defence for this one though, and if he remains on one-leg as reported will do well to produce the same return again. Both teams can run the ball brilliantly on their day and will welcome the wide open spaces of Bellevue, but when that run burns the lungs pride is the only thing to carry the Bulldogs forward in this. They will be disappointed with their year after playing finals last season, so I expect they will be keen to close 2010 with a victory. The Nomads should be even keener chasing the carrot of a home semi-final, and I can see them running that little bit harder at the end of the match to come away with the bickies.
THE DRUM: Nomads by three goals.
GAME 3: Inverell Saints v Muswellbrook Cats
A good tough football team that haven't got their deserts this season, the Cats do deserve to win a match but face the League's biggest hurdle in the Inverell Saints. It is never clear what sort of team the Cats will travel with, but even at their best they will struggle across the paddock to match it with the ladder leaders and raging Premiership favourites. The Saints have sewn up top spot but it is not in their nature to ease up, and they will look to roll into September with a big win against the Cats. On a neutral venue as the second fixture in a Tamworth double header, I expect the footy will be entertaining, tough and physical, and whilst being competitive at the contested ball I can see the Cats being a step or two behind the Saints. Across four quarters this can translate into a big difference on the scoreboard, and the Saints more established and varied avenues to goal should see them keep the scorer busy all day. I'd love to see the Cats spring the upset of the season but can only see it all pointing to a very tough day in the office.
THE DRUM: Saints by fifteen goals.
Last Modified on 18/08/2010 14:24