AFL North Coast- Round 12 Preview
Coffs Swans v Sawtell/Toormina
The Sawtell juggernaut continues to bowl over anything in its path, and the Coffs Swans are next in line when they face off at Fitzroy Oval.
The Saints are odds-on to finish the regular season undefeated and must have one eye on the prize as they prepare for another finals campaign.
Last week, they scored another strong home win over Nambucca Valley in soggy conditions. Against a spirited competitor, the Saints had far superior skills and will be looking forward to a fast, dry track for this encounter.
In a positive sign, Mark Couzens returned from injury to have an impact up forward. Their centre division is still miles better than any other in the competition with Jai Hardy coming in to support the consistent Jack Gillingham and Luke Matthews.
The Swans, in comparison, are struggling and effectively waved the white flag by travelling light to Port Macquarie.
There is no tougher task in football than trying to compete with the Saints, and the track record is not good for the red and whites.
They have not beaten a side higher placed than them this season, and while their top six players are reliable, the quality falls away from there.
Kris Rundell and Peter Robinson have fought manfully in the last month, while Ben Miller and Darby Pearce are gaining consistency as they spend more time in the senior grade.
Their undersized forward line regains Sam Turner from injury and will rely on his and Evan Duryea’s input for the bulk of the goals.
The Saints, themselves, are not an overly tall side but play direct and to their strengths.
The Swans simply need to become more competitive despite the fact Sawtell have more trump cards in their arsenal.
Nambucca Valley v North Coffs
North Coffs are starting to hit their straps but will have a battle on their hands at Macksville Park.
The Kangaroos have received criticism from some quarters over their ability to notch up big scores, and they responded in kind with hundred-plus scores in the past fortnight.
Their strike rate inside the forward arc is mainly due to the form of full forward, Ben Sykes who added another dozen goals to his tally against the besieged Tigers.
They look a more dangerous proposition now their structures seem to be more set. Darren Funston leads across halfback, while Josh Drum is becoming more of an attacking option in midfield.
There is still talent to return with Levi Sands due back next weekend, and Brendan Norton about a month away.
Nambucca sit a game behind the Swans in fifth place, and with an almost identical percentage, every point counts heading towards the end of the regular season.
They were competitive last week and are probably a better side than their position on the ladder.
They face a tough ask this weekend but should benefit from the home ground advantage. They will also take solace out of challenging the Kangaroos in the corresponding clash earlier this season.
Other players need to stand up to take the attention away from Aaron Clarke. Clarke was quiet last week and again will be asked to kick the majority of the goals.
Grafton v Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie face the longest trip up to Ellem Oval for a potential danger game against the hot-and-cold Tigers.
While Grafton are playing for pride, the Magpies need to post some big wins to make ground on North Coffs, percentage-wise.
The Magpies piled on the goals in the second-half after initially being challenged by the under-manned Swans.
They had an even contribution in the goal-kicking department, with Matthew Lill again impressive with five goals of his own.
They are becoming more consistent across the park with Greg Dean playing well, Michael Kemp strong in the ruck, and Jesse Schmidt a presence across half-forward.
The question is how well the Magpies will travel, as some players are renowned for experiencing travel sickness.
Grafton were thumped by North Coffs after a character-building win the week before at home.
They missed Jarrod Meade, while Sam Morrison has been good in the games he has played.
Graeme Connolly will be crucial to their chances, but it is hard to see them toppling Port in this encounter.
Last Modified on 14/07/2010 22:01