Coffs Swans |
3.1 |
5.2 |
6.4 |
6.5-41 |
Port Macquarie |
2.1 |
7.4 |
11.4 |
15.7-97 |
Port Macquarie have advanced to the Preliminary Final after running over the Coffs Swans at BCU Stadium in the first match of the finals series.
The Magpies were clinical and slowly dismantled the Swans, especially after half-time. Despite losing all three contests against the sides this year, the fourth placed Magpies showed their finals wares by controlling the tempo of the match.
Michael Kemp was exceptional around the ground for the victors. Starting in the ruck, Kemp dominated the hit-outs and was unrivalled in the air throughout the contest. He found plenty of support in the centre with the experienced, Tim Donohue and Shannon Skreja instrumental for the Magpies.
The Swans lost their wheels and grew frustrated with their inability to penetrate Port’s defence. The last-quarter sin-binning and subsequent reports of Shannon and Jared Burow ended the day on a sour note for the Coffs-based outfit.
Dean Nankervill proved a thorn in the Swans side with his ability to read play constantly creating turnovers. The Swans were unable to bypass the representative defender who also provided a lot of drive from defence.
There was no doubt Port had the better structure around the ground. Jesse Schmidt and Matthew Lill were often one-out in contests up forward. Lill, who passed a fitness test to play, was a presence deep in the forwardline, winning his duel with Rob Arantz.
The loss further tainted the Swans already poor finals record of recent times. Daley Bear and Rob Eddy were among a few Swans who could hold their heads up high after the match. Bear marked well around the ground, whilst Eddy, who mainly played in defence tried valiantly to get his side over the line.
Inevitably, a higher clanger count cost the Swans. They continually shot themselves in the foot, fumbling uncontested marks and turning the ball over in general play. Port must gain credit as they were able to severely slow the Swans drive through the midfield.
Although, not a classic, Port played the match on their terms and will prove worthy competition for the loser of Saturday’s Saints-Kangaroos clash.
RESERVES
Sawtell/Toormina
|
2.0
|
4.3
|
7.4
|
10.5-65
|
North Coffs
|
1.1
|
1.4
|
2.6
|
2.10-22
|
Sawtell/Toormina
Goal Kickers: S. Bilsborough 3, S. Johnston 2, C. Thwaite, E. Brogmus, S. Lane, D. Crossley, B. Brissett
Best Players: D. Taylor, S. Johnston, A. Draper, E. Brogmus, B. Brissett, S. Bilsborough
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: A. Miller, P. Walsh
Best Players: T. Joseph, A. Miller, T. Podbury, J. McGuire, S. Bursle, J. Pymont
The Saints kept their Reserves aspirations alive with a comfortable 43-point win over North Coffs.
Sawtell were on top but were unavailable to convert on the scoreboard early, with Sam Johnston and Andrew Draper dominant in the midfield.
Over the next three quarters, Sawtell were able to extend their lead mainly through Simon Bilsborough.
The Kangaroos were wasteful from their twelve scoring-shots. Tim Joseph stopped a lot of raids deep in defence, whilst Tom Podbury and Aaron Miller battled hard in the middle.
UNDER 18s
Nambucca Valley
|
2.6
|
3.9
|
4.12
|
8.18-66
|
North Coffs
|
2.0
|
5.3
|
9.6
|
9.6-60
|
Nambucca Valley
Goal Kickers: J. Ellis-Cuff 4, J. Boatfield 2, A. Retallack 2
Best Players: J. Saker, R. Connor, P. Sneesby, A. Retallack, J. Saker, J. Ellis-Cluff
North Coffs
Goal Kickers: N. Stanlan-Velt 2, A. Delves, S. Macdonald, N. Harris, B. Norton, D. Rutten, R. McMahon, L. Sands
Best Players: L. Sands, D. Rutten, N. Stanlan-Velt, P. Gordon, T. Freebody, T. Podbury
The Lions staged a miraculous comeback to overcome North Coffs in the Under 18s.
Nambucca Valley, trailing by 26 points going into the final-quarter, found a new lease of life, moving the ball better through Justin Saker and Jed Ellis-Cuff.
Ellis-Cuff continued his strong run in the goals against the Kangaroos, taking his tally to a dozen goals in the last two matches between the two sides.
It was an entirely different contest for the first three quarters. While the Lions were wasteful, the Kangaroos played to their strengths. Levi Sands was exceptional working hard across half-back and through the centre. Daniel Rutten couldn’t drop a mark and Trent Freebody had a monopoly in the ruck.
Lions coach, Heath Addison must have finally got the message through in his final address to his troops. They played with greater enterprise with Saker making the most of an extended opportunity to play in the middle.
North Coffs had no run and hence were unable to add to their score. The Lions almost found a way to lose after recording eleven more scoring shots but will live to fit another day and will face a much sterner task in a fortnight’s time against either the Saints or Swans.