Major Semi Final – New England Nomads v Inverell Saints at Bellevue Oval Saturday 2pm
The Major Semi sees a repeat of the 2012 contest when the Nomads host the Saints in Armidale on Saturday afternoon. These clubs contested the 2012 version in Armidale 12 months ago, and on that occasion the Saints were winners before the Nomads got revenge on the day that counts. The Nomads will be keen to make amends for that loss this weekend and host their first Grand Final since 2006.
The Nomads come into this match as favourites and rightly so following a dominant 2013 season. They suffered just the one loss, when under strength at home to the Roos. They have played and beaten the Saints three times this season, with each win being greater than the previous result. Their dismantling of the Saints just a month ago will be fresh on their minds as they enter this clash and should be full of confidence this weekend. A weekend off last weekend will help the injuries and they will be fresh and ready to go here.
The Saints have steadily moved along this season, not altogether convincing of late but doing enough to retain second spot. They suffered their fourth loss of the season last weekend, but the first time anyone other than the Nomads had knocked them off. They have struggled against the run and carry of the Nomads this season, but it wasn’t so long ago they had a 4 year winning streak over the Armidale side. They will hope to welcome back some key personnel this weekend from injury, and at their best have a good shot of pulling off an upset.
The record between these sides this season does not make for pretty reading for Saints supporters. The Nomads have thoroughly outclassed the boys from the Sapphire City this season and the Saints will need to work on their structure to be any chance of a win this weekend.
TAFL Tipster – The Nomads by 25 points
Minor Semi Final – Tamworth Kangaroos v Muswellbrook Cats at Number One Oval Saturday 2pm
This weekend’s Minor Semi sees the third placed Roos hosting the Cats in Tamworth in a do or die clash. The Roos have finished the year off well and despite beating the Saints last weekend, their inferior percentage condemned them to third and having to win to the premiership the hard way in 2013. The Cats will experience finals footy for the first since 2007 and will be keen to make their mark against the highly fancied Roos.
The Roos enter this clash with 3 wins over the Cats this season and filled with confidence. They got the job done last weekend despite many a handful of their best and will hold no fears of playing any teams in the TAFL this finals series. First year coach Brett Douglas has done a fine job of moulding his young stars into an impressive unit that aren’t afraid of doing the hard work when required. They love to run and rebound across half back and have possibly the best forward line the TAFL that can kick a score to get them over the line. They can’t afford to take this match lightly, but if they get over the line this weekend, they will be a real force to take on this season.
The Cats have enjoyed their most successful season in 6 years. The streak of 2008 to 2011 is long gone and they are a young side on the rise to greater things. The game plan is a simple but effective one, and if any side can match the athleticism of the Roos it is the Cats. They have also been served by some wily veterans this season, and the hard nosed attack from their forward line makes them imposing on any day. They have the benefit of a week off last week to rest any bumps and bruises and will be fired up for a taste of finals footy.
The Roos have impressed this pundit this season, with a shortage of players being their only real downfall. They should be winning this clash but cannot afford to take this young Cats side lightly, or it could be the last thing they do in season 2103.
TAFL Tipster – The Roos by 32 points
Last Modified on 14/08/2013 12:59