Its been 8 Rounds and over 2 months, but the Inverell Saints will finally step back onto Varley Oval in a competition match this Saturday against the Gunnedah Bulldogs. A forfeit, a moved game and some changes to the draw have meant the Saints last played a game on Varley in April in Round 2 against the Eagles. The Saints have had the opportunity to have a couple of intra club games on the hallowed turf but it will be great to return for a match that means something.
The Saints approach the game sitting in 2nd and establishing a 2 game break from the Swans and Nomads in 3rd. This match offers and opportunity to keep the pressure on the Roos on top and keep alive the hopes of a home final. The Bulldogs however will be no pushover. They are on the back of 2 impressive wins, at Narrabri and then inflicting the first loss of the season for the Roos. In Round 3, the Saints came away from Gunnedah with 4 points but it was no easy match and this promises to be another tough affair. The side is expertly coached by David Chapman who has been around the game long enough to have a couple of plans up his sleeve to pressure the Saints across the field.
For the Saints, they will need to contain one of the most potent midfields in the comp, and with the loss of Jack Lawton, others will need to step up to help stop the run of the likes of Scott Hardy and Sam Naismith. Naismith is coming off a year where he was named the comps best and fairest player and is a danger playing in the ruck. The Dogs will get alot of run from Peter Chapman out of defense and the Saints will need to be careful as they enter the forward 50 to stay away from his rebounding abilities.
The Saints will look to Mick Viney to kick the goals. Viney is having an outstanding year, leading the goalkicking tally and was the most potent forward in last weeks match against the North Coast AFL. Justin Pay, Jono Elphick and Aaron Eddie are having stellar seasons across half back and the Saints will rely on their run and carry out of defense. Corey Wheeler is also having an impressive first year in Saints colours, and will look for first use every time out of the middle.
This match should be a great contest, with finals spots up for grabs. All the action starts at 2pm.
Last Modified on 16/06/2010 12:54