The two sides will return to the same ground next month to battle it out in the major semi-final, with Nomads coach Zac Economou taking plenty of confidence out of Saturday’s game with three rounds left to play in the regular season.

Goalkicking wonder Dave Richards always starts kicking swags at this time of year and Saturday was no different, with the around the corner specialist nailing five maximums in the 19.10.124 to  9.12.66 victory.

Long-range goalkicker Jed Ellis-Cluff also bagged five and impressed the coach with his clean set of hands and big boot.

“I thought Dave (Richards) had a quiet game but then at the end I saw that he had kicked five,” Economou said.

“Jed is always good in the mid-field as well so it is really positive to see the team coming together at the right end of the season.”

The Roos upset the premiers in the opening round of the season, although the Nomads have had all the answers since then, the back line standing up to the Roos’ attack and shutting them down effectively on the weekend.

Tom Hunt was taking plenty of big contested marks in defence, while Tom Granleese’s tireless work on the ball in defence proved to be a thorn in the Roos’ attacking side.

Linking the Nomads back and front was winger Mark Spencer, who was having a field day out wide and finding plenty of space before launching some great balls into the middle.

“Mark (Spencer) was our best on Saturday with some really strong running,” Economou said.

Having the home semi and minor premiership wrapped up has taken the pressure off the premiers as they prepare to take on Inverell next week, followed by the bye and then the Moree Suns in the final round.

The Suns just went down to Inverell on Saturday, the Saints’ radar off beam as they kicked 21 behinds and only 13 goals for 99 to the Suns’ 12.10.82.

In the other match, a rejuvenated Gunnedah kept their finals dream alive with a good win over the Tamworth Swans 19.13.127 to 7.7.49.