Coffs Swans v Nambucca Valley
This match looms as a mini elimination-final at Fitzroy Oval with the victor progressing to next weekend’s finals clash against Port Macquarie.
The Swans head into the match having not won in over a month, but turned in their most impressive performance of recent times in their narrow loss to North Coffs.
For the second time in a fortnight, the Swans stalled in the final quarter and threw away a streamlined passage into the finals.
With this said, they were dangerous and were able to put points on the board against credible opposition. Kris Rundell played with spark, and re-established his dangerous combination with ruckman, Ben Miller.
Miller could be the key to the Swans chances against the Lions, who could be without their number-one ruckman, Mick Townsend.
Nambucca Valley survived their first pressure test last start by defeating Grafton at home to remain in finals contention.
They were never able to get away from the Tigers with a few stellar individual performances getting them over the line. Jimmy Angel was superb in a loose half-back role, picking up possessions and taking pack marks with seamless ease.
Jack Chaffey has been a reliable back-up in defence, and is one of the young players the Lions will be keen to push the club forward in the coming years.
Their midfield division worked their way into the contest as the match progressed but will need to fire on all cylinders from the opening bounce here on in. Monty Schmidt is an inspirational young leader and Jed Ellis-Cluff is classy with the ball in his hands.
The output of the talented Ray McGrath and Aaron Clarke needs to improve despite showing glimpses of their best last week.
There is a clear leader in the head-to-head battles, with the Swans winning both matches between the two sides this year.
Nambucca are not away from a breakthrough win and seem well poised to make their first finals appearance for some years.
Port Macquarie v North Coffs
North Coffs face another road trip to Stuart Park in a clash that could go either way against the enigmatic Port Magpies.
Neither side were impressive last week, despite North Coffs managing to wriggle their way to the four points.
If anything was learnt from these games, it was that both outfits have a massive task to catch up ground on Sawtell.
The Magpies were woeful against the Saints, only managing three goals for the entire contest. Again they travelled light and were punished accordingly.
The absence of Craig Dicker left the defence exposed, and without Michael Kemp, the Magpies were dominated in the clearances.
No doubt the talent is there, with Jesse Schmidt able to trouble any side with a flick of the switch. The return of Dean Nankervill was a positive and he is their most important player leading into another finals campaign.
With some pace on the wings and some better ball movement, they are a markedly better side.
North Coffs were guided by Darren Funston at the Leisure Park. They need more bus drivers than passengers on the big grounds like they will encounter at BCU Stadium.
Brad Giri is always one to put his hand up, with Greg Jarman also capable of finding the ball in tight spaces.
The last time these two sides faced off at Stuart Park, the Magpies came from behind to win by less than a goal.
Another tightly-fought encounter is on the cards this weekend.
Grafton v Sawtell/Toormina
Sawtell are one win away from a perfect regular season and should achieve the feat this weekend against the last-placed Tigers at Ellem Oval.
The Saints are the all-round package in attack and defence this year. They have been able to use the corridor to their advantage and their tackling pressure is first class.
Luke Matthews has been in fantastic form over the last month. Jai Hardy and Courtney Tune came in and fit in like a glove for the reigning premiers.
The Tigers were always in with a sniff against the Lions but the loss ruled them out of an outside chance of making the finals series.
Their talent rests in their big men. Graeme Connolly and Justin Darby are a strong one-two ruck combination, but they do lack the depth around the ground, especially in attack.
One would think they wouldn’t get many chances up forward against strong opposition.
It should be another percentage boosting win ahead of a well earned week off for Sawtell side.
Last Modified on 04/08/2010 16:12