The inclusion of Johnno Elphick in recent weeks has stabilised the team and given it extra drive from the centre - but taking the Eagles lightly today is fraught with danger.
The Eagles gave the Tamworth Swans a run for their money last week and will be keen to continue their form into today's encounter. The question mark on the Eagles is How well have they travelled for today's game?
It seems that all teams in the T.A.F.L., besides the Saints, have struggled away from home this year and this is certainly the case for the Eagles.
For the Saints today, it's a matter of winning and winning well. Not only for percentage but also to build momentum leading up to the games against the two Tamworth teams and the New England Nomads before we reach the finals.
Alex Walker put in probably his best effort for the club a fortnight ago with his 9 goals against the Muswellbrook Cats. Look to him to gather the loose ball in the forward line and set up scoring shots at goal while Stewart Walker will be a focal point at Centre Half forward.
The Saints have many avenues to goal which would concern the Eagles coaching staff. I don't think they've got the capacity to stop the Walker boys, Dave Kent and Mick Viney in the forward line, or contain the run of Tony Halloran or Johnno Elphick.
Personal commitments have forced out Nick Baird. This will boost the Eagles' victory aspirations.
After demolishing the Cats at Muswellbrook to the tune of 91 points, many believe this game could well and truly be over by quarter time but that depends on the mind set of the Saints.
Turning up thinking this is going to be a walk in the park could spell disaster. Alternatively, if the Saints come to play today, it will be a long trip back to Narrabri for the visitors.
The Saints have plenty to play for today knowing a win will further cement top spot on the ladder and the realisation the minor premiership is only weeks away.
PREDICTION Saints by a country mile
The Inverell Saints would also like to pass on their best wishes to Adam `Roons' Rooney who's going through a tough time at the moment. We hope his health improves and he's back playing or supporting the Inverell Saints later in the year.
Good Luck Roons!!!! We're thinking about you
Last Modified on 28/07/2007 17:48