Match One: Muswellbrook Cats v Tamworth Kangaroos at Werriman Field
This weekend’s only match holds great significance to the make up of the TAFL Competition Ladder. Both sides currently sit on 2 wins and 2 losses, and despite coming off very contrasting 2011 seasons, both find themselves with a chance to establish a strong position after the first round of games. All this without even mentioning the drawcard of Jason Akermanis, who is making his one-off appearance for the Cats. The man affectionately known as “Aker” has achieved the highest possible team and individual honours our game has to offer. He was an integral part of the Brisbane Lions three-peat of the early 2000’s and took home the 2001 Brownlow Medal following his stellar year. He finished off his career in 2010 with the Western Bulldogs, and is undoubtedly the biggest highlight in TAFL history. His experience and skill is just what the Cats have been missing this season so far, with a plethora of young talent already donning the navy and white hoops. Beau Dixon, Jarrod Brayburn and Jai Pursell have been in brilliant form for the boys from Muswellbrook, combined with the experienced hard heads of Stu McAdam and Dave Howarth who lead from the front each week. They are coming off a stirring two-point victory over the Swans last week, and have only been beaten at home once this year. This is no doubting that they will be a force this weekend, buoyed by a huge home crowd and the arrival of their star recruit. The face a Roos side that got back on track a week ago. Tim Cotter’s side improved their record to 2 and 2, and reasserted themselves as competition heavyweights. They have watched as the Nomads and Saints have received all the glory so far this year, but one gets the feeling their pre-season sights were set on this clash a long time ago. They cannot be taken lightly, especially when you consider they have the players of the calibre of Matthew Hodge, Col Daye and Dan Overeem all in great form. They too have a bunch of exciting youngsters, led by Alex Hudson and Brock Quinn who will match their Cat counterparts for speed and attack on the footy. Their midfield is probably the best in the TAFL and will need to be as surely Akermanis will play some role through the middle. Just how well they nullify “Aker” will probably determine this match. One can only hope we get to see Geordie Akeroyd have a run with him, if only to say we all saw ‘Aker on Akers”.
TAFL Tipster – With a huge home crowd and the star power on their side, the Cats by 5 points here.
Last Modified on 15/05/2012 15:12