Sawtell/Toormina v Nambucca Valley
Sawtell remain unbeaten, and this weekend, they face a side that can simply not buy a win at this vital stage of the AFL North Coast season.
The top teams can win against adversity and the Saints faced their toughest test of the year against Port Macquarie last Saturday. The travelling Saints held off a strong Magpies charge late in the contest to seal a four-point victory.
Their thirst for a win is still strong despite their premiership success in recent years, something that will serve them well leading into another finals campaign.
On the flipside, Nambucca Valley have lost their last two matches by two goals or less. They now sit a game and percentage outside the top four, and need to storm home to make the finals.
Their most recent loss came against Grafton in an enthralling contest.
The Lions were always behind but were led by Aaron Clarke, who continued his purple patch with eight goals. They would have sealed the four points had Ray McGrath and Luke Benson lined up.
While fielding a young and exciting midfield including Monty Schmidt, Jed Ellis-Cluff and Justin Saker, they lack the depth at either end, with Clarke holding up the forward line, and Jimmy Angel plugging an under-sized backline.
Sawtell has been slightly off-tempo lately despite still managing to win. Jack Gillingham pulled them out of a hole with the match on the line. Gillingham has stepped into the gap left by Mark Couzens as he recovers from a long-term injury.
There are still the class players on every line to get them over the line at Richardson Park.
North Coffs v Grafton
North Coffs have been impressive on the scoreboard in the last fortnight of action, and will look to continue their form against the travelling Tigers at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park.
The Kangaroos notched up a big win over the Swans in a scrappy affair last start, and are starting to hit their straps a month out from the finals.
Big Ben, Sykes that is, booted ten goals and has straightened the side with his presence at full-forward.
Josh Drum continued his strong form in the midfield, and should get plenty of chances to pump the ball into the forward half albeit against an improving Grafton side.
Grafton played arguably their best game of the season to register their first win since Round 2, much to the relief of their home supporters.
Their midfield division were particularly impressive. Jarrod Meade played his best game for the club in a gritty effort. Sam Morrison played well on the outside and made an impression on the scoreboard with six majors.
New recruit, Tim Jarrold needed time to work into the contest but held Aaron Clarke in the final quarter, in a performance pivotal to the end result.
These are talented individuals who could walk into any side, but at present there is not enough depth to challenge a top team like the Kangaroos.
Port Macquarie v Coffs Swans
The round concludes with Port heavily favoured to rebound from two straight losses against the Swans at Stuart Park.
The Magpies would be disappointed coming out with no points to show from a tough fortnight against the top two sides.
They were close against Sawtell, but inevitably missed Michael Kemp who was an unexpected late withdrawal.
Their defence was tough to penetrate in the windy conditions with Greg Dean and Craig Dicker excelling down back. Unfortunately, Dean Nankervill re-injured his hamstring and faces another stint on the sidelines.
The Swans, in comparison, were woeful against North Coffs and will find another road trip to Stuart Park hard to overcome.
Ben Miller and Darby Pearce battled hard for the Swans but when you look down the list it is clear there are some pedestrians making up the numbers.
Peter Robinson will have a lot of responsibility down back with Matthew Lill and Shannon Skreja favoured to dominate the clearances in a match Port should win well.
Last Modified on 07/07/2010 22:30