BY Mark Heaney
The Northern Heat finished the AFL NSW/ACT State Zone Trials with two wins from two games on the final night of the trials. The great results on the final night showed just how far the team had come after failing to score in their first game against the Stingrays earlier in the week. Despite the poor start, coaching staff and spectators could not fault the effort and dedication of the team in every minute of their campaign throughout the week.
A long preparation beginning with a 6 week training program in October-November, trials in December and training sessions throughout December and January, finally culminated in a week of top class AFL football at BCU International Stadium in January.
The Coffs Harbour area was well represented in the team with Sawtell/Toormina trio Simon Taylor, Elliott Schmitt & Jack Gillingham and North Coffs, Jack Campbell being selected in the Heat team. Unfortunately Campbell was a late injury withdrawal providing Nambucca Valley player, Oscar Smith a late call up. Off field Coffs Harbour was represented by Mark Heaney (coach) and Darren Funston (Runner)
On the first night, the Heat had a formidable task, 3 games including the Rebels & Stingrays, the powerhouse teams of the competition. The Stingrays gave the Heat a football lesson in the first game. A dressing room visit from AFL legends Kevin Sheedy and Tom Harley inspired the boys for game 2, where only poor kicking for goal cost them victory in a one point loss to the Starz. The third game of the night saw a high pressure game and some great passages of play from the Heat who went down by a few goals to the Rebels who would remain undefeated for the week.
Night 2 saw the Heat with just one game and after a huge build up they were able to play some exciting footy but just failed to keep the tempo up for the entire game going down to the Catz from the ACT region.
Day 3 saw the Heat adopt the theme of “hard work” after spending time with Western Bulldogs AFL recruiter, Wayne McCraw during the day. In two tight games that went down to the wire, Heat enjoyed two great wins against the Pioneers and Pigeons from Sydney.
The national focus on the Coffs Harbour carnival was unprecedented, showcasing the great facilities, a magnificent city and a sporting community that was willing to do a lot of work to assist in the smooth running of a high class event.
Last Modified on 28/01/2010 19:21