North Coffs v Grafton
The once whipping boys of the competition, Grafton will provide a stern test for the undefeated Kangaroos at the Coffs Coast Leisure.
The ‘Roos players representing the North Coast last weekend will form the basis for a strong performance come Saturday afternoon.
Sam Dawes has claimed most of the major honours on offer in local football circles after being named by the umpires as best afield in last week’s clash. The Tigers’ know they have to stop the solid midfielder to slow Norths moving forward.
Even if they are successful, the likes of Darren Funston and Brad Giri are likely to have an influence on the clash.
Whilst Grafton is the most improved side of the competition, a big question mark still lies on their ability to effectively tag these players given the way they structure their game.
Grafton like to play an up-tempo brand of football. The main thing holding them back at this current stage is one or two more quality ball users. Daniel Zacek again proved his worth last weekend and has value as a pinch-hitting forward.
In the club’s last match, they fiddled around with the football too much against the Swans and were out of the contest at half-time. Dale Beaver and Ryan Sheather were below-par and will need to improve against the premiership favourites.
Grahame Connolly has to start this game to give the Tigers some momentum.
Justin Darby was the player’s player against the South Coast, further demonstrating his improvement over the last few years. He is reaching veteran status at the club and having gone through thick and thin deserves his standing as the premier defender in the League.
Credit must also go to Grahame Blackwell who has done a great job instilling discipline into the club.
North Coffs, on paper, have too much depth and too many gun players but they will have to be on their game against the Tigers who are in the race for a finals berth.
Port Macquarie v Sawtell/Toormina
This game at Stuart Park between fourth and third respectively could turn out being the match of the round.
The home advantage has traditionally been worth a few goals to the Magpies and it is more than likely they will need it against an improving Saints side.
They were unconvincing last start against bottom-placed Nambucca Valley in a scrappy affair played out in wet conditions.
Clayton Miechel and Mark Harvey were among the best that day as the ‘Pies were well served by their tall timber. Greg Dean will be entrusted with a key role having arguably been Port’s best this season. No doubt, they have the makings of a good side but need to show this more often.
They will most likely miss Dean Nankervill and Matthew Lill who are integral to the side.
The Saints, meanwhile will challenge for a double chance leading into the finals, and seem at the moment to be the only side with the artillery to challenge the ladder-leading Kangaroos. The side has done well considering their Richardson Park home-base has been unavailable for much of the season. During this time, Mark Couzens and Luke Matthews have provided much needed direction for the Saints and will be dangerous again this week.
The Saints will again need to overcome adversity having not played a game since mid May. Saying this, Couzens, Matthews and his brother, Todd, Daniel Johnson and Daniel Pritchard had superb games for the North Coast last weekend and will be better for the run.
Coffs Swans v Nambucca Valley
The Swans need to find their feet fast with more difficult matches to come in the next month.
They have done well to disprove original speculation they would struggle, having won five out of their six games.
However, as shown in their match against Grafton, they have lacked the ability to put together a consistent four quarter performance. Notching a big win will help prove that the Swans do have a ruthless attitude.
Depth is still a question mark as Dave Box and Rob Eddy have been the Swans best on a weekly basis. Sam Turner and Evan Duryea add the necessary X-factor but need more support for the Swans to consistently post big scores. Dane Willoughby’s return will help straighten the side.
Nambucca Valley will challenge the Swans. Aaron Clarke is fast becoming the Lions’ marquee player after a strong representative debut last weekend. It is hard to believe Clarke’s potential given it is his first season of AFL. The side continue to rely on the development of Mick Townsend and Justin Saker as targets at either end of the field.
The Swans will start odds-on favourites with a percentage-boosting win meaning another step towards securing second place on the ladder.
Last Modified on 11/06/2009 21:34