There is another double header in Tamworth this week. In the first game we see the local derby between the Kangaroos and the Swans. The winner of this game will take the all important top spot on the ladder and be the inaugural winner of the Billy Holder Cup. The Kangaroos had a hard game against the Nomads last week, only winning in the last ten minutes of the game. The Swans on the other hand had a day out against the Cats, scoring more than 200 points for the second time this year. The Swans were at about full strength last week and the Kangaroos were not far off it either. There is a lot at stake in this game as not only are the spoils great for the winner, but a loss will see the loser slip to third spot on the ladder. Kangaroo Coach, Tony Bishop, has the runs on the board in the Country Energy Tamworth AFL with two Grand Final appearances for one win in the last two years. Swans Coach, Rick Watt, took over the reins after the season had started last year and in that time has worked wonder with his team, taking them from just missing the fianls last year to fighting for a top spot this year. Both teams have very good forward and back lines. This game will be won in the midfield though and even they are evenly matched.
This is so close to call but because the Kangaroos have the experience in tight tough games they will win by 2 points.
At the Kennel the Bulldogs will be hosting the Nomads. The Nomads haven't beaten the Bulldogs this year and were belted last time they travelled down to the kennel. The Bulldogs are coming off a thumping by the Saints in Inverell last week. They only had a bare minimum 18 players last week and will be glad to be home with hopefully a full team. The Nomads nearly pulled off a big upset last week against the Kangaroos and will want to finish the season on a high. For the Bulldogs it doesn't matter if they win or lose this game in regard to their ladder position as they will finish fourth regardless. It does matter though for their confidence going into the finals. A win will get them back into gear and fired up for their elimination final in Tamworth in the first week of the finals.
Again this game is too close to call but as the game has no bearing on the Bulldogs ladder position, I will go for the Nomads by 6 points.
In the second game at NO.1 Oval the Saints will be playing the Cats. The year has not been kind to the Cats but to their credit they have made every effort to play all games no matter where they are. The Saints are just starting to find there finals form and with still about 4 players to come back into their best team they will be tough to play in the finals. There are only two things that could stop the Saints moving into second spot on the ladder. The first is they lose to the Cats, highly unlikely, and the second is a draw between the Kangaroos and the Swans. The second option is a real chance but unlikely. The Saints just have too much fire power across the whole ground for the Cats and will be using this game as a ultra tune up for the finals.
The Saints will win by 120 points.
After the games the Country Energy Tamworth AFL will hold their annual Presentation Night. The night will see the vote count for the league's Best & Fairest award, the Tony Gillies Medal . Also on the night the Gerry Griffiths Medal will be awarded to the leading goal kicker, the Southern Cross Ten Rising Star Award, the Umpire of the year award, the Sporting Pulse Award and the AFL NSW/ACT Volunteer and Coach of the year award.
Last Modified on 17/08/2009 20:45