By Josh Paterson (Armidale Express, 13/05/2011)
The New England Nomads will look to establish Bellevue Oval as their fortress when they play their first home game at the venue tomorrow. Taking on the Muswellbrook Cats, the side will look to bag their first victory of the year after falling by just six points in round one against the Narrabri Eagles.

Nomads coach Brendan Meehan said with numerous new recruits and with the season being so young it was hard to gauge his side, but added that he believed they had the personnel to make a run at the Tamworth AFL title this year.

“I believe we have got the blokes to do the job but it going to take a lot of hard work,” he said.

“Everyone has to put in a lot of work and also work hard at training.”

Meehan said he saw both good and not so good from his side against the Eagles but added that a lift in intensity would see his side in a better position come 2pm tomorrow.

“There was some pleasing things and there was some disappointing things as well,” he said.

“We have got to play as a team and lift our intensity.”

The Tamworth AFL competition has been closer than ever this season, with some surprising results already, such as reigning premiers the Inverell Saints big loss to the Tamworth Swans last week.

Meehan adding there were no easy matches in the league and his team would not take the Cats lightly.

“Muswellbrook the last couple of years were getting a bit of a touch up, but there not getting as big a touch up this year,” he said.

“It’s a matter of who is on the ball on the day will come out on top.”

The Nomads will be without skipper Nick Schultz who is unavailable for the clash, but veteran midfielder and vice captain Hamish Pearce will step into the leadership role.

The Nomads have also welcomed back ruckman Omphile Temoso to the side – something Meehan was pleased about.

“It’s handy to have a big fellow like that to help throughout dead ball situations.”

The side will look for an attacking spark from star forward Weston Whitby but Meehan said he would require an improved effort across the board from his team, especially in their defensive commitment.

“As a team and as a forward line we have to work a bit harder when we don’t have the ball, not just working hard when we have it.”

The Nomads take on the Muswellbrook Cats from 2pm tomorrow at Bellevue Oval.

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