GAME 1: Tamworth Kangaroos v Tamworth Swans
It seems that the Gods are the only ones that don't want to see these two teams go at it, with the second scheduled Tamworth derby of the year washed out and rain clouds ominous this week. The first meeting of these two traditional rivals was a two-point thriller, and a match that the Swans could have won if they had kicked straight in front of goal. There is a lot of water under both bridges since then and the form is very hard to line up. The Swans have been building in confidence and were good for the first half against the Nomads in their last outing. Just before that they pushed the Saints, which is something few have truly done of late, and they are looking strong coming into this. The Kangaroos were steam rolled by a supreme performance from the Bulldogs last week. They were never really allowed to get into that game and it is one blip that I think can be forgiven. Prior to that the Kangaroos demolished the Eagles and the Nomads which is a truer indication of how they are going. Col Daye's return is a plus for them as well, and I wonder out loud about the Swans ability to put together four good quarters. They will need to here, and I think that might tell.
THE DRUM: Kangaroos by two goals.
GAME 2: Inverell Saints v Narrabri Eagles
The Eagles would be pretty chuffed with four wins in their return to the Country Energy Tamworth AFL, and must have churned out some good footy at home against the Cats last week. Shawcross' inclusion into their side makes a big difference, but the Cats were hardly at their strongest. This week the Eagles stare at the other end of the ladder, with the all-conquering Saints at Varley Oval an intimidating prospect at the best of times. The Saints are coming off the bye and catching them napping is about all that Narrabri could hope for in this. Coach Baird will make sure his team are on the ball but, with a chance here to assure themselves a home major semi-final (if it really was in doubt). The Eagles are not a bad outfit, but here it will be bows and arrows against the lightning, and with Mick Viney in form a rampaging Saints can really hurt you on the scoreboard. The Eagles rookies have learnt plenty this year, but they will be in for a proper lesson here.
THE DRUM: Saints by fifteen goals.
GAME 3: Muswellbrook Cats v Gunnedah Bulldogs
I don't know what to say about this one. The Cats can present a challenge here, depending on who they put out in the navy and white hoops, but after the Bulldogs effort last week I could rationalise a plunge on them to win the flag. The home game is a big plus for the Cats, and the longer trip might hurt the Dogs, who have in the past been poor travellers. The Bulldogs should be surfing on a wave of optimism after last week, and if the sniff of a finals berth doesn't get them on the bus south not much will. Hardy came back last week and was just magnificent for Gunnedah, and their midfield are in great form. The Cats centre can compete with them though, and Howarth and McAdam can really make good use of any ball that is given to them. I can see the Bulldogs having the run of the match, but the Cats gameness and efficiency in front of the sticks keeping them in the match for a long time. Both teams have plenty to play for and if the scores are close at three-quarter time, well send me a chopper because that last twenty-five minutes will be a cracker. I think the Cats will be close for most of it, but they might just lack the knock-out punch, and shutting down all of the musketeers in Brown, George and Hardy for the full four quarters is a big ask.
THE DRUM: Bulldogs by six goals.
Last Modified on 29/07/2010 08:33