AFL Report Final 7/9
AROUND THE TRAPS with ‘Rocket’ Rod Macpherson
What a Day
The sun shone brightly and CEX Stadium looked a picture for AFL’s big day last Saturday. Does it get any better? What a fantastic Grand Final! Sometimes these games can fail to live up to all of the hype but not this time. The Sawtell/Toormina Saints threw everything they had at Port and looked to have stolen the game in the third quarter when they got out to a 5 goal margin but the Magpies clawed their way back into the game and eventually overran the gallant Saints by 20 points. It’s an old adage but football was truly the winner.
All in the Family
The great thing about country footy is the way it brings families together. This was no more evident than grand final day. Sawtell had Russ Matthews coaching his sons in seniors, Port Macquarie’s Craig Carroll coaching his sons in the U18, Swans Rod Mapleson had a son in the U18 and father son combination, Gordon and Tyson Wiegold, played together in Camden Havens historic win in reserve grade. In addition to that umpire George Massaad had two of his sons running boundary duties!
Dress up for Showcase Event
The 2013 AFLNC season winds up with the official presentation event tonight at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club. This year is a more formal event giving families a chance to get their best clobber out of mothballs and kick up their heels. Jim Woodlock medallist, Jessie Schmidt from Port Macquarie, is a favourite to take out the senior award after another brilliant season. Jessie has really taken his game to another level after breaking his leg twice a few seasons ago, although Sawtell’s Courtney Tune has also had an outstanding year.
Bombers Complete Southern Domination
The Camden Haven Bombers ran away with an historic first year premiership in reserve grade and in doing so completed the trifecta of flags going to the clubs based in the south of the competition. Port Macquarie won U18 grade for the first time in their club history and of course the senior grade as well.
Have Your Say
I know that 2013 is still warm but the league is well into planning for 2014 and beyond and is after feedback from the AFL family regarding the Next Frontier discussion paper that was circulated a few weeks ago. A copy of the document is on the AFLNC website, under ‘Club Admin and Downloads’, or available from Jason Sincock at the AFL office. The email address for feedback is aflnorthcoastboard@gmail.com
Last Modified on 10/09/2013 10:37