The first game sees the New England Nomads playing against the Muswellbrook Cats. This is the 2nd game between these 2 this year, the Cats forfeited the first game. In the corresponding game last year the Nomads Weston Whitby set a new CETAFL record kicking 19 goals for the game. This year, depending on who turns up for the Nomads, could be a chance for him to do it again. The Cats have been trying all year and again depending on who turns up for the Nomads this could be their best chance for their first win in 2 years. If the Nomads win and the Saints lose then they will find themselves just one game out of the top four and should be the motivation that they need.
The Nomads have everything to gain and after thumping the Cats at home last time I am tipping them tho win by 80 Points.
At Varley Oval in Inverell the Saints will be out to beat the Swans for the first time this year. Varley did not hold any fear for the Swans earlier in the season coming from behind at half time to win by 16 points. That day the Saints couldn't stop Dean Hoy (7 goals) and Lachie Rowling was on fire. This time however the Swans will be without their number 1 ruckman, Andrew Donohue, because of suspension. The Swans played with only 17 men last week for the last quarter and a bit, which shows that they are a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand the Saints got jumped in the first quarter before playing it out fairly evenly with the Kangaroos for the rest of the game. The Saints Mick Viney has been in classic form the last two rounds kicking 16 goals and will be a handful for the Swans backline. The Swans will need Hoy back to cover the loss of Donohue. The Swans will possibly be a little vulnerable in the ruck and this could be where the Saints get an advantage, especially if they play Joe Kimmince in the ruck.
All in all this should be a great game and the Saints will win by 10 points because it is in Inverell.
The final game is down at the Kennel and the Bulldogs are hungry to chew on some Kangaroo steak. But the Kangaroos have found their premiership hunger and are determined to get into the top two on the ladder. The Kennel has been a fortress this year and the Bulldogs are just as determined to keep it that way. The Bulldogs recruits this year have been standing tall all year with Shaun Higgins being another option to goal and Paul Brown giving them plenty of drive out of the middle. Young Sam Naismith has been the best of the Bulldogs young pups this year out of a particularly good litter. The Kangaroos have also recruited well this year and Pat Walton has been a standout up forward. Michael Filosi has virtually been a new recruit as well having only play a couple of games last year and the Kangaroos are very happy he is on board fulltime this year. He has value all over the ground and Coach Tony Bishop is rubbing his hands together every time Filosi is on the ground. The Bulldogs have been the real deal this year and this will be their big chance to go back to the top of the ladder if they win. The Kangaroos though will be on equal points with the Bulldogs and the Swans if they get beaten by the Saints and that will create a huge log jam at the top of the ladder with 3 rounds to go.
It is really starting to hot up now and for that reason and that the Kangaroos has been a very good team for the last 2 years and know how to win the tight games I am tipping them by 8 points.
Last Modified on 29/07/2009 21:47