Coaches wrap:
The 2016 edition of the annual representative fixture between the TAFL men of the north west and the North Coast league was played on Saturday in perfect conditions on the carpet like surface of the Coffs Harbour International Stadium. So the conditions were perfect for quality football and the game certainly lived up to that with some fantastic goals, hard and tough tackling pressure and speedy ball movement shown from both sides.
The game started at a frantic pace with both sides locked in at 3 goals each by mid way through the 1st term and it was the North Coast that gained the upper hand looking too slick with more outside run than the TAFL side. The deficit was 2 goals at 1/4 time and the trend continued through the 2nd term resulting in the North Coast side holding a 50 point lead at half time. The TAFL boys had competed well in patches but many were finding out what rep footy is all about. Some structural changes and a re-group at half time allowed the TAFL boys to get back into the contest and fantastic spirit and execution to the plan was shown by the boys.
Captain Zac Economou made the most of the limited inside 50m supply kicking 4 goals and winning the best on ground medal and was joined by Hamish Pearce who made a big difference in the 2nd half taking marks across half forward stopping the rebound that the North Coast side had in the 1st half. Jed Ellis-Cluff lead by example all day with his attack on the footy and Andrew George & Harry Fruend were standouts through the mid-field. The backline lead by Tom Hunt and Andy Mack stood up well against relentless pressure all day.
The TAFL side won both the 3rd & 4th quarters to go down by only 4 goals in the end and got within 3 goals with pressure mounting with 8 minutes to go. A standing ovation from the Coffs Harbour spectators franked that effort and the TAFL men can be proud of each other and they way the represented the league. Over 24 trained on both occasions leading up to the event and every single player in the side played their role on the day to the best of their ability. It was a pleasure to coach such a committed group who adapted well throughout the match in order to compete the way that we did.
Scores:
1st: 3.1.19 (TAFL) to 5.2.32 (North Coast)
2nd: 3.2.20 (TAFL) to 10.11 71 (North Coast)
3rd: 7.4.46 (TAFL) to 11.15 (North Coast)
Final: 10.6.66 (AFL) to 12.19.91 (North Coast).
Goals: Nomads: Economou 4, Graham, 2, Maddern 2, Collier , Barker
North Coast: Paige 3, Stweart 2, Boxill, Lee, Matthews, Vella, Johnston, Lower, Funkston.
Tony Bishop - 2016 coach
Last Modified on 10/09/2016 18:08