Tamworth Kangaroos will be looking to build on their first half against Inverell last week when they take on the Moree Suns in round seven of the AFL North West competition on Saturday.
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“The first half was probably the best half of footy we’ve put together all year,” Kangaroos coach Ben Mitchell.
“Especially being against Inverell. They are a quality side.”
It is somewhat with an element of irony that the Roos are scheduled to host the Suns, with the wet weather creating some uncertainty over whether the game will go ahead in Tamworth.
Mitchell said the club met with council representatives on Friday morning.
“They said we were good to go as of now,” he said.
“But we’ve had a bit more rain.”
There is a back-up oval at the Jewry St end of Carter Street but that isn’t up to standard yet after undergoing some improvements.
“We’ve spoken to the Moree president and he said we can use their ground if we want to,” Mitchell said.
It would mean the game could go ahead but might leave the Kangaroos a bit short.
“If we get the game in Tamworth I’m pretty sure I’ve got a full side,” he said.
“If we do go to Moree there’s probably four or five guys that can’t make it.
“It will test us a little bit.”
The Suns’ form has been a bit up and down this season, but they showed what they are capable of in thumping the Tamworth Swans by 130 points last week.
It was the biggest win in the club’s history, and their second of the season following their round three triumph over Narrabri.
“The Suns have got a lot of new players this year. They’ve been more competitive than they have been the last few years,” Mitchell said.
“It will be interesting to see what they bring.”
“(But) Any side that can kick 180 points is a decent side.”
“It’s just a matter of everyone being ready and playing their role.”
The win over the Saints made it two in a row for the Roos, and Mitchell attributed their great first half to an improved attitude to training.
“At training we’re trying to get all the boys to have a proper warm-up,” he said.
“The start of training has been really good the last couple of weeks.”
He said they probably got a bit carried away in the second half but at the same time weren’t expecting to be up 10 goals up at half-time.
The Kangaroos’ women are also set to play the Suns in what will be their second game. In the other mens fixtures, the Saints travel to Gunnedah to face the second-placed Bulldogs while the unbeaten New England Nomads host the Swans.