AFL North Coast Round 6 Preview
North Coffs v Grafton
North Coffs have been hot and cold in recent weeks but have a chance to get the ball rolling against Grafton at Ellem Oval.
Their most recent bump was last weekend against Port Macquarie where they went down in a one-point thriller. To the Kangaroos’ credit, they were missing several walk-up starters and put in a workman-like performance against the odds.
Typifying this attitude, Josh Drum and Tom Campbell have battled hard to help their side hit some form. Despite some deficiencies disposing by foot, they have plenty of ticker and are high on handball receives.
They have strong players at either end of the ground more than capable in contested duels. Darren Funston, while not the tallest man in the world, is dominating at half-back. Up forward, Ryan Turner kicked five goals against the Magpies and is a strong mark.
There has not been much to smile about up Grafton way lately. They have fallen from the top four to last position, and while still in range, their finals aspirations will rest on the next few weeks.
A positive was the return of Justin Darby last week. Darby was one of the Tigers’ better players in their heavy defeat to Sawtell.
Graeme Connolly will be relied on heavily to outclass his brother, Kurt in the ruck for Grafton to have a chance.
The home ground factor should help the Tigers but North Coffs should get back on the horse ahead of another winnable clash against Nambucca Valley.
Port Macquarie v Coffs Swans
The Magpies are flying high after their narrow win over North Coffs and will be favoured to gain another four points albeit against a steadily improving Swans outfit.
No doubt the man the Swans will need to lend close attention to is Michael Kemp. Kemp was outstanding last week and was the sole difference between the two sides.
The Swans have men to match him in the ruck but will need to be accountable when he roams forward.
Jesse Schmidt showed glimpses of brilliance across half-forward and combined brilliantly with Matthew Lill who played primarily at full-forward. Lill booted four goals from difficult positions and got his side firing when the chips were down.
The red and whites opened their account for the season with a gritty two-goal win against the Lions at home.
Kris Rundell was again superb and deserves credit for his side’s resurgence. They looked more proactive forward, to match their strength down back.
The forwards will have to fire against the miserly ‘Pies defence led by Craig Dicker and Greg Dean.
Without the Duryea brothers last Saturday, Sam Turner stood up and kicked four goals. Turner is a small target, and will need the tall timber to support him if the Swans are to kick a winning score.
No doubt the Swans will need to travel with their full compliment to challenge the Port boys who have both eyes on a priceless top two finish.
Nambucca Valley v Sawtell/Toormina
The Lions face the unenviable task of stopping the Saints juggernaut at Macksville Park.
The Saints, fresh from posting a near double-century score up at Grafton last round are in a ruthless mood ahead of the mid-season break.
The spoils have been shared in recent weeks with Ben Hooke still the headline act up forward. Aided by the forward press of Luke Matthews and Daniel Pritchard, the Saints are strengthening each week across every line.
Nambucca suffered a disappointing loss against the Swans that would have gone close to sealing a top-four berth. Now, they are only one game and percentage ahead of the bottom two sides.
Aaron Clarke was again exceptional for the Lions around the ground and up forward with four goals to boot.
Along with Luke Benson who gets grass in his teeth each week, the Lions will be competitive but still short of the mark against the supreme Saints.
Last Modified on 26/05/2010 18:27