SENIORS
North Coffs 13.14-92 def. Coffs Swans 6.6-42
Goal Kickers
North Coffs: T. Cook 3, D. Funston 2, M. Crispe 2, S. Dawes 2, J. O'Connor 2, B. Giri 2
Coffs Swans: E. Duryea 3, D. Colman, P. Chadwick, S. McGrath
Best Players
North Coffs: S. Dawes, D. Funston, T. Cook, B. Giri, J. Drum, G. Connolly
Coffs Swans: R. Eddy, W. Hickey, P. Chadwick, S. Turner
Umpires: Maasaad, Bellamy, Supple
North Coffs booked a date with the Sawtell Saints in the AFL North Coast decider with an emphatic 50 point win over the Coffs Swans, who bowed out of the finals race in straight sets.
The 'Roos dominated from the outset, with a three goal first quarter led by Sam Dawes who enjoyed another day out, sparking the 'Roos in attack and in defence. They kept the Swans to only one behind in the opening stanza as the red and whites were again slow to get out of the blocks.
More of a contest was made going into half-time, with Peter Chadwick inspirational across half-forward with several contested marks. They were unable to create any opportunities with the forward line not functioning well enough to damage the 'Roos.
Trent Cook was a livewire in attack all day for North Coffs, in a multi-faceted attack also featuring Matthew Crispe and Darren Funston. This stretched the Swans, with Funston especially, setting up and scoring goals with ease. Jordan O'Connor was also excellent playing as a tall forward.
The match well and truly got away from the Swans in the second half, as North Coffs ran all over the disspirited Swans. Despite the efforts of Rob Eddy and Wade Hickey down back, the Kangaroos stepped up another gear, with Brad Giri pumping the ball in with unsympathetic regularity.
A four goal to one third term all but sealed the contest and the 'Roos rubbed salt into the wounds at the end of the match with Dawes and Funston again profilic. Josh Drum was an unsung hero, shutting Evan Duryea well and truly out of the game, despite the Swans star booting three goals. Graeme Connolly set the 'Roos up in the middle, dominating the hit-outs, whilst the Swans allowed their opponents far too much room in the centre.
This was exploited with the blue and whites willing to work harder for the win that gives them another chance at premiership glory next Saturday afternoon.
RESERVES
Port Macquarie 5.11-41 def. Coffs Swans 1.1-7
Goal Kickers
Port Macquarie G. Wiegold 2, A. Price, C. Carroll, S. Jackson
Coffs Swans N. Scroope
Best Players
Port Macquarie G. Wiegold, R. Arantz, R. Grimson, A. Davis, M. Clark, M. Long
Coffs Swans M. Attwood, D. Elks, J. Phillips, N. Scroope, J. Sincock, B. Wyld
Umpires: Staniforth, Thomas, Wood
Port Macquarie booked another consecutive finals appearance with a strong win over the Swans in a low-scoring contest.
Port led throughout with Gordon Wiegold and Robert Arantz strong around the ground. They were always a bit more classier than the Swans who tried their best but were simply outplayed by a superior outfit on the day.
Mick Attwood and Damien Elks again had strong games for the Swans, whilst Jason Phillips provided some pace in the centre. They didn't create enough scoring opportunities, with only two scoring shots for the whole game, the single goal going to Nathan Scroope.
UNDER 18s
Coffs Swans 10.11-71 def. Nambucca Valley 3.16-34
Goal Kickers
Coffs Swans S. Adams 4, F. Duryea 4, T. Richardson, R. Bear
Nambucca Valley J. Ellis-Cluff, T. Lynch, J. Saker
Best Players
Coffs Swans S. Adams, D. Kennedy, D. Pearce, F. Duryea, S. Turner, J. Burow
Nambucca Valley J. Ellis-Cluff, T. Haskew, T. Lynch, D. Cameron, J. Saker
Umpires: L Turner, Upfield, Berrigan
It wasn't pretty but the Swans got the job done in the Under 18s against a valiant Nambucca Valley outfit.
The Lions would be ruing their inaccuracy in front of goal, especially during the early stages where they held a lead over the Swans. Inevitably this could've put more pressure on the Swans in the end where they were able to run away with the game.
The better side won on the day in blustery conditions that made the match a very scrappy affair. The class of Shane Adams and Fraser Duryea shone through as they were worked hard to get the Swans the desired result. Dave Kennedy showed some dashing pace, whilst Darby Pearce was the hard toiler for the Swans winning the contested ball.
The Lions were well served by Tom Haskew who was strong in the ruck. Jed Ellis-Cuff played another consistent game, whilst Dylan Cameron was also good in breaking the lines for the Nambucca side. Justin Saker played well in patches but the depth inevitably wasn't there for the Lions who to their credit, took it right up to the Swans for the vast majority of the match.
Check out the AFL North Coast website this week for all the Grand Final news. Visit www.aflnorthcoast.com.au
Last Modified on 23/08/2008 22:58