Game 1 is the traditional grudge match between the Tamworth Swans and the Tamworth Kangaroos. The Swans have recruited well over the summer with 3 players from Tasmania, 1 from Canberra and 1 from southern NSW. All five have a good knowledge of how the game is played and will be a huge boost for them. Their losses have been minimal, but big names in Lachie Rowling and young Joey Atkinson will hurt. The Kangaroos have also had losses with a couple of players going to the Nomads and 1 to the Black Diamond League. They have been able to gain a couple of recruits, 1 from AFL North Coast and 1 Black Diamond. Both these leagues are strong leagues and I would expect that they will be of great benefit to the Kangaroos. Under new coach Tim Cotter I don't expect the Kangaroos game style to change greatly, but he will put his twist on it.
Prediction: The Kangaroos always seem to have a little edge over the Swans. But with the Swans new recruits I am going to tip them to win by 9 points.
Game 2 has been forfeited by the Inverell Saints to the New England Nomads. The Saints' Jono Elphick is getting married on Saturday so there's no guessing where the team will be. Attempts were made to change this game to Friday Night but due to work and other factors the Nomads were unable to make it to Inverell.
Game 3 will be between the western rivals the Gunnedah bulldogs and the Narrabri Eagles. These two teams are every bit as traditional rivals as the Swans and Kangaroos. The Bulldogs have been hit hard over the summer with player losses and will miss club stalwart Scott Hardy the most. They have a new coach in Peter Chapman and some new kids so this looks like it will be a rebuilding year for them. The Eagles returned to the fold last year showed that they are not far off the pace. They have a couple of new recruits from AFL playing regions and a couple of new locals come into team and that will boost them. They play a good style of footy under coach Phil Dennis and they expect to take a set up this year.
Prediction: I know this game is in Gunnedah and the Bulldogs have had the wood over the Eagles in the past, but I think Eagles will win by 28 points this time.
Last Modified on 12/04/2011 11:54