Port Macquarie v Coffs Swans
Early premiership favourites, Port Macquarie have recruited well over the off-season and will be looking to pick up where they left off this season in defending their premiership against a strong Swans outfit at home.
The Magpies have built a fortress out of their Stuart Park residence and expect them to be more than competitive as the word down the highway suggests they may have a stronger squad than last year. The side has reportedly picked up a few Sydney grade players that will bolster their current strength in all positions across the ground.
Add to this, the likes of captain-coach, Matthew Newton, small midfielders, Shannon Skreja and Steve Gluyas, an imposing forward line containing John Bain and Jesse Schmidt and a counter-attacking backline possessing Dean Nankervill and Clayton Micheel; it must already have the Swans scratching their heads in finding a way to beat the Magpies.
The losses of ruckman, Jon Stephens and young stars, Ben Dunlop and Nathan Tritton, will undoubtedly leave the Port side vulnerable early on as the new players filling those positions will take time to gel with the squad that remained relatively unchanged throughout the course of last season.
The Swans will make a good fist out of this match and if they can gain enough possession in the attacking half of the ground, the pin-point presence that the likes of Evan Duryea and Tristan Snow possess, should give their side a chance. Saying this, the Swans do need a more potent forward line this season and hopefully captain-coach, Peter Chadwick, has addressed this during the off-season.
The young Swans should stick with Port early but considering the class and experience of the Magpies in key positions, one would expect them to be in front at the end in what should be a great litmus test for both sides early in the season.
Sawtell v Grafton
Last year’s Grand Finalists, Sawtell, under returning coach, Russ Matthews, will have its work cut out against the Grafton Tigers who have will be buoyed by their performance against QAFL side, Logan City, last weekend.
In this match, Grafton were dominant in winning by 12 goals against an under-strength squad but the signs looked good for the Tigers with full-forward, Sean Purton booting 11 goals himself, and Scott Onus returning from long-term injury to dominate through the midfield. Both of these players will need to have big years such is their influence on Grafton's hopes each week.
Going from previous encounters, there isn't too much Grafton can boast as they have been pasted by the Saints in every clash. Grafton need to improve their record as appalling travelers if they are any hope of pressing for the finals. Sawtell, like Port, play their home ground so well, using the length and width of the ground to full advantage.
The Tigers, under new coach, Graham Blackwell, should show greater commitment and have better player numbers and personnel; with the addition of young dynamo, Dale Beaver. They will find it difficult, however, to press the all-round strength that Sawtell will still possess despite the loss of Luke Matthews, Steve Jackson, Michael Bibby, Harley Schmidt, Dave Rava and Robbie Zeegers. Matt Elliott (Canberra and North Coffs) and Ben Hooke (ex Victorian) are notable recruits for the Saints.
One might gulp when mentioning the departure of such names from the senior list, but they have capable players in the lower grades to fill the void, such is their depth. Courtney Tune should dominate in the ruck, as Sawtell will build pressure from the midfield that Grafton will find hard to counter.
Match Start Times
Under 18s- 11.15am
Reserves- 1pm
Seniors- 2.15pm
* To celebrate the start of the new season, we will be running a weekly article in which you can find out about more about the people involved in the AFL North Coast competition. Click on the "Personality of the Week" tab for more.
Last Modified on 03/04/2008 15:22