SENIORS (2.30PM)- SWANS V PORT
The first match of the finals series at BCU International Stadium is the last chance for either side to make an impression this season.
Both sides have limped into the finals after being on the wrong end of one-sided contests last weekend against Sawtell and North Coffs respectively.
The Swans were only able to muster one goal against the Saints and will consider this season a failure if they lose today.
It is obvious they need all men on deck against the unpredictable Magpies. Rob Eddy and Sam Turner were among a host of players missing last weekend in a less-than-ideal preparation for the Elimination Final.
Eddy will be pivotal across half-back and will probably get the job on Jesse Schmidt. Schmidt after leading the goal-kicking tally in the opening rounds has found it hard in recent weeks; however, the representative forward is capable of anything on the big stage.
The red and whites can ill-afford to be stifled by Port’s negating tactics. Players like Turner and Evan Duryea need to break the lines and put the Swans into attack. Only a fortnight ago, they had eleven individual goal kickers against Port, and without a key forward this season, they will rely on a similar performance to get over the line.
David Box and Damien Elks add the experience to complement the rising Ben Miller and Daley Bear who are developing into consistent performers.
Clearances have been the weakness of the two sides this season. Against the top sides, they have been unable to compete in the centre.
Port lack the firepower of a few years ago and this is considerable given the departure of Matthew Newton and big Jon Stephens, just to name a couple.
They have a blue-collar centre division with Shannon Skreja and Tim Donohue always giving an honest effort. Skreja again made sure the club doctor earned his keep last weekend as a result of sickening head clash with a fellow teammate.
Scott Payne will return from suspension to add strength to the Magpies forwardline. Justin Mohr was far and away Port’s best player against North Coffs and will prove a handful against the smaller Swans outfit.
Given the general lack of fitness amongst their playing roster, Port Macquarie will look to control the tempo. Greg Dean and Dean Nankervill are important here as swing players in attack and defence.
Matthew Lill is another able to win the contested ball but will need to pass a fitness test to play, after missing the last couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Swans have won all three matches between the two sides this year by an average of 33 points. This match will be closer and will depend on which side is able to make the most of their opportunities.
The Magpies always seem to have a card up their sleeve come the finals and will fancy their chances against the Swans who have struggled on the big stage.
RESERVES (12.50PM)- SAINTS V KANGAROOS
Sawtell will look to maintain their strong record in the Reserves in their do-or-die clash against North Coffs.
The form is on their side after a strong 25-point win over the ladder-leading Swans. The core of their side is a good mix of youth and experience. Sam Johnston and Craig Webb are amongst the best midfielders in the league.
Andrew Draper and Nathan Baldwin have developed into reliable players in this grade. The side's last loss was a tight one-goal loss to Port Macquarie in Round 12.
The same goes for North Coffs who lost a scrappy encounter to the Pies at Stuart Park last weekend. They have shown glimpses of brilliance, including a one-point loss to the Swans in recent times.
They possess an older line-up but has some wise heads with proven senior records. Jason Pymont is a capable ruckman, dominating the hitouts last weekend. Jamie Coad and Andrew Pitzen have both been regular contributors in the main grade.
UNDER 18S (11.00AM)- LIONS V KANGAROOS
The opening match of the finals series features the Lions against a developing North Coffs side.
Nambucca Valley are on a high after their first Seniors victory in a couple of years and will look to maintain the momentum through their only side represented in the finals.
Many of their Under 18s got a run last week despite the bye, and have proven contributors at this level. Justin Saker is one of the best players for his age. The Lions will look for him to provide a lot of the drive through the midfield.
Jed Ellis-Cuff is another under-rated player who is dangerous around goals. He kicked seven goals the last time the two sides met in Round 14. On that day, the Lions prevailed by three goals, with Ellis-Cuff the difference.
Dylan Cameron and James Boatfield are amongst a number of players with finals experience.
Not many Kangaroos can boast such knowledge of the BCU Stadium surface. They are a young side mainly comprised of their ladder-leading Under 16 squad.
Trent Freebody is one of the older players that will need to lead the side for the Kangaroos to challenge for a win. Levi Sands and Nathan Harris are gun juniors and their skill will test the Lions on the larger ground.
Last Modified on 11/08/2009 22:02