Game 1: New England Nomads v Tamworth Kangaroos
This match pits the team The Drum thought would be the Keira Knightley of the 2011 EETAFL against those that actually have been. The Nomads would, The Drum expects, be a little disappointed in their form so far this season. They have been good enough to put themselves into second, and are in a strong position to glisten in the second half of the year with some elbow grease from Brendan Meehan. The Kangaroos are the League's trendsetters, but maybe got a little scare last week in the local derby. No doubt Tim Cotter will be trying to keep a lid on things and remind his ... (aside: what is the collective noun for Kangaroos? Google says herd, mob, or troop. The Drum likes the former) ... herd that the silverware is not dished out in June. Both midfields are packed with ball winners and with run. First use will be the key, and the very tall man in the ruck for the Nomads taking on no genuine ruck option for the Kangaroos will give the hosts a clear advatage. The Nomads play Bellevue well, and the open spaces there often play into their favour. It seems as though all the cracks will be gathered at the fray for their clash with the Kangaroos, and like Clancy years ago, The Drum warrants the mountain bred boys will be there when wanted at the end.
The Drum: Nomads by two goals.
Game 2: Inverell Saints v Gunnedah Bulldogs
Retirements in bush footy can be short lived, and it seems some proud Saints went the way of John Farnham with another farewell tour for the defending Premiers against the Eagles last week. The Drum is split on what to make of that form - sure, not many teams will roll the Eagles on the flat part of the League this year, but there'd be no shortage of teams that would like to face the western boys without Tim Cooper as well. The Saints are a proud mob, and the Bulldogs will face an uphill battle this week at Varley Oval. The Bulldogs did well to defeat the Nomads at home last week, but they generally put their best foot forward in their own yard. They have some new blood who might just be naive enough not to fear the Varley green, and throwing caution to the wind might just suit them against the Saints. The Drum sees this match as massive for both - the Bulldogs can truly stake a claim for a home final or a second chance come August, and the Saints can put a gap between them and the other two chasing for fifth. The Drum feels like a woman in a shoe shop - just not sure which one they like best. But The Drum's not packing plastic so can't take both. In the end, The Drum is swayed only by the home track.
The Drum: Saints by one goal.
Game 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Narrabri Eagles
The Drum holds some opinion of the Cats, and expects that they will hold a few surprises down south for the rest of this season. Having won their first match since most of their current players were in the Club, they turned out a good effort at Gunnedah before a fortnight off. With some momentum building, that might have been the last thing Bryce O'Connor wanted. The Eagles have dipped in recent weeks and are a danger here of toppling out of the top three for the first time this season. They should take no shame in defeat to the Saints, but will be very keen to put a stop to their losing streak or their season might just roll away. Phil Dennis will be very keen to make sure his charges are not soft in the head and expecting to tick off four points this week. The Cats are a tough team, this year with a good balance of height, courage and run. If they are at full strength for this, The Drum would love a piece of close to even money about them to win. They might even be the best bet of the round.
The Drum: Cats by five goals.
Last Modified on 24/06/2011 11:22