AROUND THE TRAPS
First game of the season and basically no training and Sawtell hard man Mark Couzens flew for the first contest and pulled down a brilliant overhead mark. Just like riding a bike eh Cuz?
Such was the dominance of the Sawtell midfield last week that star Grafton full forward Lee Anderson found himself as a loose man in defence in the game.
What a fantastic sight to see the lights on at Fitzroy Oval and players training at night
in the rain. Fitzroy has one of the best atmospheres going around and should attract another good crowd today. Hats off to the Coffs Council.
Saints on the Climb
The Sawtell Saints are full of confidence coming off their biggest win in several seasons against the previously undefeated Grafton and look too powerful for the battling Coffs Swans this afternoon. In good news for the competition the Swans return to a revamped Fitzroy Oval has certainly seen them gaining strength of numbers and it was encouraging that they fielded three strong teams last week.
They are at home again today and with Sam Turner returning to some form and Tyler Clayton stepping up will not roll over lightly. Matt Andrews has given some bite up forward while Daniel Dickson continues to impress in his debut season. However, the Saints choked off Grafton’s elite forward line by dominating the midfield and goals will be hard to come by for the Swans today. Todd Matthews was brilliant last week and Trent Mitchell is a star in the making. Courtney Tune will dominate the smaller Swans’ ruckmen and Jake Saunders and Alex Pearson have fantastic leg speed. This could be tight for a while but the Saints will run it out the better.
Have Tigers lost their Mojo?
Grafton Tigers are on the road to Leisure Park today and would still be hurting from their first loss last Saturday. They had a full strength side but were simply out bustled and looked down on confidence as they trudged off at Sawtell. North Coffs on the other hand are fresh from the bye and are in winning form. The Tigers won this handsomely last time the two met but the competition is evening up and while they will deservedly start favourites, will not have this one all their own way.
The Kangaroos have only won one game but are definitely building. Coach Russ Matthews has them well drilled and with some players gradually returning will win more games this year. Levi Sands is a key, as this game must be won in the midfield. If last weeks loss showed anything it is that Grafton are vulnerable against a strong and aggressive midfield. The Roos must cut off the supply to the forwards.
Last Modified on 01/06/2012 16:25