Round 12 of the Tamworth AFL sees the biggest match up of 2010 so far with the two top sides set to battle it out for sole ownership of top spot. The Saints are playing host to the Roos, and if previous matches are anything to go by, this promises to be a cracker of a match. Back to back Grand Finals in 2007 and 2008 are still fresh in the minds of both teams, and all the games last year were decided late in the game. However back in Round 5 of 2010, the Roos outclassed and out ran the Saints early in the game and put the contest to put bed by quarter time. The Saints cannot afford to start the game like that on Saturday.
The Saints will enter the match up on the back of 5 straight wins, including 2 big wins at home. However on both those occasions, the Swans and Bulldogs travelled north with far less than full strength teams and the Saints cannot expect the same of the Roos. The Saints themselves will be close to full strength, with Jason Gobbert out with a calf injury as well as a couple of others in doubt with illness. The final lineup may not be known until 1.30pm Saturday, but the core of the team should be the same as last week. Joe Kimmince had his best game of 2010 last week at Centre Half Forward and he will again be a handful for the Roos. Together with Mick Viney, who is leading the TAFL goalkicking, the Saints forward line has been very potent of late and will need to be this weekend in order to stay in touch with the Roos. Jono Elphick has been instrumental in his new role down back this year, and the Saints will once again look to his run and carry out of defense to set up attacking raids. Sam Kimmince will have a big job at fullback, but will have the added experience of Shaun Mansbridge and Matt Harrison around him for support.
This match promises to be a tough affair and a true spectacle of the TAFL in 2010. All the action starts at 2.00pm at Varley Oval.
Last Modified on 02/07/2010 10:54