Tamworth Kangaroos v Gunnedah Bulldogs – 6pm at Number One Oval
The third of the matches this weekend sees a re-match of last year’s Minor Semi Final with the Roos hosting the Dogs. On that occasion, the Roos were far too good for the boys from Gunnedah, before falling in the Preliminary Final to the eventual premiers. Despite falling short of another Grand Final appearance, it was another consistent year for the Rooboys, with a sixth straight year of making to at least the second last weekend of the season. The Dogs capped another successful year with their second straight trip to the post season. Despite a slow start, they roared home late in the season, and if they can continue to carry that form over to the start of this season, they will be a real force in 2013.
The Roos will start 2013 under a new coach, with club stalwart and ex-umpire Brett Douglas taking over the coaching reins. He inherits a team full of match winning experience mixed with some fleet-footed youngsters. They have been a model of consistency over the past 6 seasons, rarely being blown away in a contest and always providing a stern test to any side. They now also boast one of the most impressive brains trust of any bush footy league, with Douglas sure to draw on the knowledge that both Tim Cotter and Tony Bishop have to offer. For that reason alone, they could well be the team to beat in 2013. They have been active on the recruitment this season and will get even more experience from players transferred into the team from southern regions. However, the loss of last year’s Rising Star in Lachlan Maloney is sure to hurt their expansive running game and Douglas will be keen to unearth another gem from the youth of the Country Music Capital.
The Bulldogs have entered the season under a slight cloud of doubt, with player numbers being severely affected by reduces employment in the mining sector. However, they have rallied and will take part in season 2013 under the tutelage of new coach Scott Hardy. Hardy has been a standout player in the TAFL over the past decade or so and has experience playing in leagues in Sydney and Tasmania. His knowledge of the game will no doubt benefit the young Bulldogs, who just lacked a touch of polish last season. They have the opportunity to build on what was a successful campaign, where they pushed the top 3 on occasion last season. This year, travelling numbers could be the Bulldogs biggest problem, however they will give a very good sight this weekend under their new coach.
Recent history suggests the Roos should win this game. Just 6 months ago they overpowered the Dogs in the Semis, and will gain confidence in this match from that performance. A stop-start pre-season could be the undoing of the Dogs early in the season, and this match is a big ask first up.
TAFL Tipster – The Roos to get the bikkies here, by 20 points
Last Modified on 09/04/2013 08:06