Sawtell/Toormina v Port Macquarie
The Saints are near unstoppable at the moment ahead of their last real challenge between them and an unbeaten regular season record at Richardson Park.
They were impressive to say the least in easily accounting what seemed their nearest rivals, North Coffs. They strangled the life out of the Kangaroos and dominated them over the park for the first three quarters in a fine exhibition of structured football.
Many pundits have them playing Port Macquarie in the Grand Final. The Magpies currently sit third and have a tough run into the finals against the two sides currently placed above them.
This is a perfect opportunity for the southerners to play hardened football as they seek their first premiership since 2007.
Their last encounter was a nailbiter at Stuart Park and the closest any side has come to knocking off the Saints. Saying this, the Magpies have far from a favourable record at Richardson Park.
They were not brilliant against Nambucca last start, and needed to come from behind to record a flattering seven-goal win.
This is also the figure Ben Hooke kicked against the Kangaroos in a fine performance from the full-forward. It should be a great battle against the duo of Greg Dean and Craig Dicker who lead a strong Port defence.
The ruck duel should be one to watch. Ethan Kelly was one of several youngsters who outpointed their more seasoned rivals last week. He will face Michael Kemp who had a strong game and is one of the smartest ruckman going around.
Mark Couzens and Luke Matthews can obviously start to smell the spring air as they are also hitting their straps at the right time of year. Justin Mohr and Shannon Skreja are good inside midfielders who will be charged with winning the contested ball.
On paper, these are the two sides with the most talent, it is just up to Port to link it all together to challenge the Saints.
North Coffs v Coffs Swans
No team likes facing North Coffs on the rebound, and the Swans will have their work cut out negating the Kangaroos desire to get back on the winners sheet at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park.
North Coffs put out close to their worst display of the season albeit against fine opposition. They were unable to wriggle their way into the contest at any stage and face some hard work to play catch up to the Saints.
Few players broke even against their direct opponent, something which is very unlike the Kangaroos.
In a positive, Levi Sands returned and held his own across half-back. His rebound ability, along with Darren Funston will be crucial against the Swans.
The Swans drew against the then last-placed Tigers in a see-sawing affair. It was one that got away from the Swans as they held a six-goal lead heading into the last change.
Without Evan Duryea, youngsters in Sam Turner and Asher Landini provided much-needed support to Kris Rundell on the scoresheet. Dane Willoughby offered a target deep in attack.
Getting the ball to the forward line will the Swans biggest problem against midfield keen to make amends for last week’s display. Tim Heather and Tom Merrick should get plenty of opportunity to hit targets across half-forward in a match where the Kangaroos should be a class above their cross-town rivals.
Nambucca Valley v Grafton
Both sides will be pounding the calculators ahead of this all-important clash at Macksville Park.
Historically this is a game between the cellar-dwellers of the competition. While it still is, both sides have a mathematical chance of reaching the finals.
The loser is basically out of the finals race on the proviso the Swans lose to North Coffs.
Grafton have the better form and narrowly beat the Lions in an entertaining clash the last time they faced at Ellem Oval.
The road trip will seriously test the Tigers, with both sides keen to put a four-quarter performance together.
Grafton will rely on their young charges to get them over the line. Tim Whalan will need to lead through the middle, while Kodie O’Malley and Kelly Thompson are easily their two most talented players, outside of Dale Beaver.
The Lions give a taste of their best, as demonstrated against Port where they led at half-time. They were more dangerous in front of goals, which is a promising sign.
The trio of Jim Angel, Monty Schmidt and Aaron Clarke will endeavour to lead across each line, as will Andrew Blair who has played well over the last fortnight.
Last Modified on 28/07/2010 17:31