Coffs Swans v Sawtell/Toormina
Before the season, this would have easily been the match of round.
Reality has hit the Swans though, as it is now a case of first versus last today at Fitzroy Oval.
The Swans are the only winless team after failing to get the points in two winnable matches against Port Macquarie and Grafton, last week.
It is a new-look side this season and the Swans will be required to show some character under pressure this weekend against their most formidable opponent yet.
Kris Rundell was best for the Swans last week but needs more assistance to take the Saints on in the midfield. They missed Leroy Maher in the ruck, however, will gain Ben Miller to assist Asher Landini today. This is a potential area of advantage for the Swans.
Saying this, the Saints have the best midfield, by far, in the competition. Jack Gillingham and Mark Couzens have started the season on fire and are unlikely to let up this weekend.
Dave Meyers has the trademarks of a great coach and was able to get his troops up in the final quarter after the match was in the balance against North Coffs. Their backline, in particular, Daniel Cullen and Dan Pritchard, were exceptional under pressure. At the other end, Ben Hooke headlines a well-balanced forward line.
The Swans need to improve and find momentum to get their season back on track. The experienced, David Box has started the year well, and the Duryea players have shown glimpses of what they are capable of.
The talent is no doubt there, with others such as Sam Turner able to play an attacking midfield role.
Expect Sawtell to continue on their winning ways.
Nambucca Valley v North Coffs
It will not get any easier for the Lions as they face a North Coffs side keen to get back on the winner’s list themselves.
Last week signalled Nambucca’s best performance in recent memory, with a monumental upset victory over Port Macquarie away from home.
Their side has looked the best it has on paper with the experience of Jimmy Angel complimented by the youth and enthusiasm of Jed Ellis-Cluff and Monty Schmidt.
Aaron Clarke was also superb last weekend and will demand close attention from the Kangaroos.
The ‘Roos have their own big forward target with Ryan Turner again impressing all with his development, kicking five against the reigning premiers.
Their midfield was serviceable without any stars in what proved to be a topsy-turvy affair, one in which the Kangaroos had a chance of winning at various stages.
Injuries hurt the side last weekend, and without Trent Freebody they lacked a second-choice ruckman. They will also be disappointed by their lack of forward-line penetration, especially in the final term.
It is the Lions first game at home, and given they are in form, it should be a closer affair than previous encounters between these sides.
Port Macquarie v Grafton
The Magpies received a rude awakening last weekend and should be spurred into action against last-start winners, Grafton.
Grafton face the longest road trip in the League after two home games, and won an important encounter against the Swans to give them a chance of victory against the wobbling Magpies.
Enigmatic, Dale Beaver was at his mercurial best on the confined spaces at Ellem Oval, as was ever-consistent, Daniel Zacek. The Tigers’ need more than these two stars to get up against what is normally a Magpies side with good depth.
Grafton will look to Tim Whalan and Justin Darby again to provide the steel sometimes lacking in their performances.
The Magpies’ imposing record at Stuart Park has all but evaporated in recent times after dominating at the ground for many seasons.
With this said, Jesse Schmidt and Dean Nankervill are class players and are favoured to help the home side bounce back this week.
Last Modified on 05/05/2010 19:51