North Coffs to thrive on finals pressure
It’s all or nothing as the North Coffs Kangaroos face the possibility of the elimination at every stage of the Senior finals series, but this is something the side will thrive on, one feels.
They faced a similar scenario last season and as underdogs, knocked off the Swans before being beaten convincingly by the Sawtell Saints in the Preliminary Final. The Kangaroos are better equipped this season under Danny McFadden and look a better side with key players hitting form.
They will be coming off a loss to the Coffs Swans but looked impressive at stages with their intensity and pressure sure to be their strengths in the finals. Their side was without Darren Funston, Josh Drum, Jamie Coad and Trent Cook, all of whom will look to return on Saturday against reigning premiers, Port Macquarie.
Coad, a popular figure in the local football community and a respected senior player himself, made mention of the effects of injury on the ‘Roos season to date.
“We have had a good season but it has been marred with some serious injuries,” he said.
The word ‘loss’ doesn’t seem to enter the Kangaroos’ vocabulary and this perspective is again prominent amongst the blue and white group as they enter another finals series.
Senior player, Joseph Kane, is another ‘Roo confident of success.
“We will do well, we expect to go all the way,” he said.
“We have the experience, the quality players and the depth to beat any side.”
They have also made note of their key players, and it is no surprise that the midfield division gets a mention here:
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Sam Dawes- “one of the best players of the competition, with Giri also in the middle, this frees up Sam”
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Darren Funston- “has been dominant in the middle and can be very dangerous up forward”
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Graham Connolly- “the best ruckman in the competition and has been sneaking up forward”
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Brad Giri- “ball magnet and likes it tough. He shows leadership on the field”
· Jordan O’Connor- “quality centre half forward; very difficult to man up on.”
It will be a tough road but the belief is there, yet again. They are accustomed to the finals and certainly loom as a danger to those with lofty expectations.
Last Modified on 04/08/2008 10:55