Game 1: New England Nomads v Inverell Saints
The Nomads bounced back to where The Drum thought they would be against the Cats last time out, and are still viewed as one of the front runners in a very close competition. The Saints will be keen to go after a fortnight off, but The Drum has not seen anything this year to think the Saints are the powerhouse they have been. The Nomads play Bellevue well, and whilst the Varley Oval Sainters will be no stranger to a bit of space, the nippy students should have the wood on them here. The space up front suits Whitby, and with Nelson to nullify any dangerous Saints the strike power looks to be with the hosts. The Saints will have height and size on the men in green, but The Drum is not sure that will be of huge benefit across four Bellevue Oval quarters. The Drum expects the Nomads to stamp themselves and true contenders in this.
The Drum: Nomads by five goals.
Game 2: Tamworth Kangaroos v Narrabri Eagles
This one has been billed as a blockbuster, with the two unbeaten teams of 2011 going at it. The Kangaroos have shown plenty this year and should be Prermiership favourites at present, so will pose a super challenge as to just where the Eagles are at. The Drum sees plenty to like about Phil Dennis' crew from the west, but still wonders if their results are a true indication of their strength. The midfield will be interesting here, with neither team having a true ruckman but having a myriad of ball winners at their feet. Stopping Shawcross and Barrow was once the secret to stopping the Eagles, but this year it might not be so simple. Stopping Cotter and Douglas is just as difficult, and The Drum wonders if the Roos coach might play a negative game to stop the hard running Eagles centre. That might play into the visitors hands, but away from the tricky Leitch Oval the Eagles might find themselves on a more even footing than their contest so far. They wull be brave, but The Drum is that won't get them home.
The Drum: Kangaroos by three goals.
Game 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Tamworth Swans
These two teams have built a little rivalry since the tight 2005 Grand Final. The Cats got the choccies that day, but have had little to nibble on in most encounters since. The home track will suit the Cats, who are improving and will be very keen to get a win to launch themselves into the rest of season with their two biggest road trips behind them. The Drum is not convinced the Swans will travel well, and after falling away against the Eagles a fortnight ago wonders how a bruising battle against the Cats will see them fare. This match is key to both teams ambitions for 2011, with the draw looking tough for both from here on in in what will be a fierce battle for the fifth finals berth. The Swans have more recent experience in key matches, and their midfield should set a platform for them to get away with this one. The Drum is that they'd want to take their a-game, or the Cats may just do a Hindmarsh on them.
The Drum: Swans by four goals.
Last Modified on 27/05/2011 18:02