The AFL North Coast will look to continue their proud Interleague record when they face the South Coast AFL at BCU International Stadium on Sunday.
The North Coast side features nine new faces with a new-look coaching panel led by former representative stars, Tristan Snow and Peter Chadwick, along with Paul Sheldon. They take over from long-serving coach, Rod Macpherson.
It is the squad’s first hit-out since the State Country Championships in Wagga Wagga where the North Coast performed well in Division 2 until they fell to the strong Black Diamond League in the play-off stage. In comparison, South Coast after being ranked last in Division 3 were the big improvers of the carnival, winning their division and defeating Sapphire Coast the following day, showing they will be more than worthy opposition for this clash.
The key players for the North Coast will be:
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Darren Funston:- North Coast's best last year and has been in strong form for the Kangaroos across the middle and half-forward;
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Daniel Zacek:- A consistent performer, Zacek is the composed, marking option the side needs in the middle-third;
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Brad Giri & Mark Couzens:- The duo ooze leadership and have unprecendented representative and premiership experience. Will provide the direction on Sunday.
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Rob Eddy & Justin Darby:- The defence has been suspect for the North Coast on occasions. Eddy and Darby are accountable and have been solid for their clubs- both can take the best opposition forward.
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The Young Brigade:- The attack will have a youthful blend with Jesse Schmidt, Evan Duryea and Dale Beaver expected to start. Schmidt was North Coast's key option last year and is due for a good performance, whilst Beaver and Duryea are enigmatic and looking to prove themselves at a higher level. They will need to kick the goals to help the home side win.
South Coast will take this match as an opportunity to gauge their hopes for next year’s Country Championships. They will be coached by Marty Kick, with assistance from Kiama coach, James Walton and SCAFL life member and Bomaderry stalwart, Neville Hickmott.
Kick believes his side will gain confidence from last year’s efforts.
“While we are a relatively small league, we do have some very talented players that will only benefit from competing against the best the North Coast has to offer,” he said.
Players from Kiama and Bomaderry will form the core of the side. Daniel Herbert is the equal leading goalkicker in the South Coast League and is a player to watch, whilst Andrew Glendinning and Adam Picken will lead the ruck stocks.
It promises to be an interesting clash where both sides need to rise to the occasion in the opening stages. This will be vital for the North Coast’s chances given the vast majority of the squad have not played in the last fortnight due to the recent wet weather.
Despite this, North Coast will start favourites but will face stiff opposition from an up-and-coming South Coast outfit.
* Senior Representative clash- North Coast v South Coast 2pm
* Under 14 curtain-raiser- North Coast v Mid North Coast 12pm
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Last Modified on 03/06/2009 17:21