Match One: Tamworth Kangaroos v Muswellbrook Cats at Number One Oval
The first match-up of the weekend sees the resurgent Roos face the Cats in Tamworth on Saturday afternoon. The boys from Tamworth have been the form side of the competition over the past 2 months and find themselves with a share of the lead at the head of the table. They are, however, third on percentages and desperately need not just a win here but a very comprehensive one at that. The Cats started this season with so much promise but have slipped up in recent times. Their most recent trip to Tamworth yielded a win against the Swans and they still remain a chance to steal a finals berth. They can barely afford to drop another game before season’s end and have plenty to play for this weekend. They were unable to get a team to travel to Armidale last weekend and they will be hoping that does not repeat this weekend with so much to play for.
The Roos enter this clash full of confidence. They have been beaten only once since Round 6, and last week put a persistent Swans outfit away in the second half. They have a team that is slightly on the short side, but are arguably the best running outfit in the competition. They worked hard in and around the contest and have a workmanlike defence that does not allow any easy goals. Perhaps their biggest danger is the constant flow of midfielders that can press forward to support veterans Dan Overeem and Geordie Akeroyd and provide headaches the defense. Those potent runners may be too much for the Cats to handle here. The boys from Muswellbrook have shown glimpses of what they are capable of this season. When these teams last clashed, they were able to counter the Roos run with some crafty switches of play themselves. They have a hardened backline that can be miserly at times, and some running midfielders that provide good drive through the middle. They are served well by ruckman Jarrod Braybon, who often provides first use of the pill, and their forward line can make the most of the opportunities provided to them, led by John Mahy. They are capable of an upset here, but must put their best side on the paddock to go close.
The result here will hinge on the team that travels south down the highway, but either way, it’s hard to see the Roos let this one slip.
TAFL Tipster – Roos by 87 points.
Match Two: Inverell Saints v Tamworth Swans at Varley Oval
Another match-up that has important consequences for each team but for different reasons. The Saints got out of gaol last weekend, with reports that they were comprehensibly beaten around the ground by the Dogs for the first 3 quarters. Their final quarter comeback may give them some confidence, but their efforts over the past fortnight haven’t been as impressive as the team that started this season on fire. The Swans will battle their third game in 7 days in this clash, and face the top 3 teams in that span. At writing, they are still to face the Nomads, but their effort against the Roos was impressive for much of that match. They have battled on without a win for since Rd 3, but have pushed the top sides in that period. They are only a solid, 4-quarter effort away from a couple of upsets this week, and they may get the Saints with their guard down this weekend.
The Saints have battled through a gluttony of injuries in recent weeks, and will again be plagued by player unavailability for this clash. Reports that ruckman Leigh Turner will miss time is a huge blow for the Saints, but the likely return of Joe Kimmince helps their cause in that department. Tom Williams has been in supreme form through the midfield, and with small forwards Alex Walker and Chris Whitton getting some good touches last weekend their forward line is starting to look dangerous again. The Swans have been best served by Ross Fraser this year, but reports from Tamworth are that he has played his last game in Red and White. That will hurt their cause here, but they still have the most experienced midfield in the league going around to help combat the Saints runners. Gav Knee continues to impress, gathering hard balls in the contest and being a consistent goal scorer. His partner in crime, Damien Wendt, has also had another strong year, and they will need a big effort on Saturday in order for the Swans to get the 4 points.
The Saints have lost just once at home this season, but that was last start against the Roos. They will be keen to put that memory behind them in this clash, and the Swans might be in for a long day.
TAFL Tipster – Saints by 45 points
Last Modified on 25/07/2012 10:37