AFL Report Round 13– 20/7
Tigers Set to Claim Top Ranking
The Grafton Tigers prowl onto Ellem Oval this afternoon in the knowledge that a win will put them on top of the AFLNC premiership ladder. They would be reasonably confident of achieving that outcome considering that the last time they met North Coffs they belted the Roos and booted around forty goals to two! There is probably more in this game for the Tigers who have not had a hit out for a fortnight and need to get some games into their stars. While the game takes on a bit of ho hum from a competitive perspective that is certainly not the case in reserve grade. The Kangaroos currently hold down fourth position only one game clear of both Grafton and the Coffs Swans. Should the Roos win today, as they did last start against Grafton, they are almost assured a finals spot come August. As the battling club’s only real opportunity to participate in the 2013 finals series I expect that there should be a bit of intensity in this contest.
It is certainly unusual where the lower grade game attracts a better billing than the senior grade but that is the nature of AFL on the north coast in 2013. The big one, and I mean the reserves, kicks off at 1pm and based on the quality of the contest last time out I expect this to be a great game.
AROUND THE TRAPS with ‘Rocket’ Rod Macpherson
Local Role Model
I get to meet and observe some great people through footy and one such person is Sawtell/Toormina’s Jake Saunders. Jake is a talented footballer but what continues to impress me is the way he goes about his football within the rules and without complaint. He just never gives up running, chasing and tackling for the full four quarters in the U18 game and then consistently backs up in the seniors and does the same thing! But I should not be surprised because Jake’s dad Tony Saunders, is a fantastic clubman having won a number of club awards and who displays the same qualities as the club senior runner. Well done guys.
Tribunal to Make Call
In a clear indication that the AFLNC is serious to stamp out unduly rough conduct from its competition young Sawtell star Jesse Harrison fronted the tribunal last night charged with a late bump from the U18 fixture last weekend. The contact may not have attracted any more than a downfield penalty a few years ago but is now illegal contact under revised AFL rules. To make matters worse the young Magpie suffered a serious shoulder injury from the bump. Results of the hearing were not known at time of publication but clearly the line has been drawn.
More Hard Hits
While on the matter of hard hits Saints utility Scott Matthews has come under his fair share of scrutiny for forceful contact. However his intensity and courage at the ball last week in Port Macquarie was outstanding and a great example to all players that aggression at the ball pays dividends. Well done Scotty.
Blown Bicep Big Blow for Saints
Sawtell/Toormina’s premiership chances were dealt a severe blow with the loss of Ben Hooke for the season with a bicep tendon injury. Hooke is the club’s leading goal kicker and a very dangerous and experienced finals campaigner. The club lost another key forward Rob Zeegers to a recurring shoulder injury early in the year and the Saints are starting to look a bit light on in attack.
Veteran Collects a ‘Ton’
There is not much that Craig Carroll has not done at the Port Macquarie football club. He is currently club president and coach of the U18s. A stalwart of the Magpies iconic reserves outfit Crackers brings up his 100th appearance at Fitzroy Oval today. Well done old fella.
Last Modified on 19/07/2013 18:03