AFL North Coast- 1st Semi Final Preview
Port Macquarie v Nambucca Valley
The finals series commences with Nambucca Valley starting underdogs against Port Macquarie at BCU International Stadium.
The Lions salvaged their season with a two-match winning streak leading into this match, with last weekend’s win against the Swans confirming their place in the finals.
In comparison, the Magpies were always in reach of a double chance but those hopes were dented with two successive losses in the last fortnight against the Saints and Kangaroos.
Nambucca are riding a wave of emotion, as they reach the finals in the Senior grade for only the second time in their history.
As mentioned, they will start underdogs against more experienced opposition but have the names and ability to cause an upset.
Having played on Macksville Park, the Lions should be well equipped to tackle the wide expanses of the ’Stadium.
Leg speed is always an advantage and for the Nambucca outfit to get over their opponent, they need their young stars to stand up. Jed Ellis-Cluff has been steady in recent weeks and is classy with the ball in his hands in open space. If he plays, Kyle Cohen could be the X-factor the Lions desperately need.
The Port hierarchy know the potential influence of Aaron Clarke and will mark him heavily. They have a number of options to take on the solid frame and contested marking ability of the star half-forward.
The trio of Craig Dicker, Greg Dean and Dean Nankervill are class defenders able to negate and also attack off half-back. Nankervill, in particular, is a player the Magpies need to fire if they are to go deep in the finals.
Up the other end, Jesse Schmidt is a class forward enjoying another strong season. Expect Jimmy Angel to get the job on the young key forward.
He will need support with Greg Conway and Matthew Lill also dangerous forwards able to help Port kick a winning score.
The ruck duel will be interesting. Michael Kemp has been an important contributor for the black and whites when he has taken the field. He is a mobile big man in the mould of Clarke and will demand attention from the Lions. Michael Townsend missed last week as a precaution, but is likely to square off against Kemp in the ruck in the opening stages.
Both midfields are hard-nosed and desperate to hold their own despite lacking the polish in terms of skill execution. Shannon Skreja and Justin Mohr are tough at it for the Magpies and will go head-to-head with Monty Schmidt and Trent Baade.
Nambucca are looking more and more like a well-rounded unit with Luke Benson and Justin Saker able to rotate in the midfield.
They will take confidence out of previously beating the Magpies this season but will need to rise another level to have a chance of beating their higher-placed opponents. Whether they can or not, it will not be through a lack of trying.
RECENT CLASHES
Round 13- Port Macquarie 15.14-104 def. Nambucca Valley 9.8-62
Round 8- Port Macquarie 19.11-125 def. Nambucca Valley 5.3-33
Round 2- Nambucca Valley 12.5-77 def. Port Macquarie 9.10-64
Grafton v North Coffs
The Reserves match will see Grafton’s only hope in the finals series try to progress to the Preliminary Final against North Coffs.
The Kangaroos only progressed to the finals after the Coffs Swans dropped out of the race citing a lack of numbers. Numbers are also an issue for North Coffs, as they have fielded a high number of Under 18s.
They have been soundly beaten in recent matches against the Saints and last week, away to the Port Magpies.
There is plenty of experience to blend in with the young players coming through the ranks. Lachlan Miller has been active in a midfield role for the side, while Jason Pymont is a tall target able to play in the ruck.
Grafton have been more competitive but face a tough ask to play catch-up to the top two sides in Sawtell and the Magpies.
Last week, they fell short of the Saints by 40-points at their home ground but were competitive in the second-half.
A lot depends on what side they field, as is always the case in this grade.
Dion McGregor is a slippery character who should enjoy the space to roam around in a utility role. Warren Bagnall is another with experience who will help give direction to the Tigers outfit.
They will start favourites and should have the class and depth necessary to progress to the penultimate week of the finals.
RECENT CLASHES
Round 11- Grafton 15.13-103 def. North Coffs 6.9-45
Round 6- North Coffs 12.5-77 def. Grafton 9.5-59
Round 1- Grafton 20.7-127 def. North Coffs 9.10-64
North Coffs v Coffs Swans
The first finals match features a cross-town derby featuring the Kangaroos and Swans.
The Under 18s side is the only squad representing the red and whites in the finals series, and they will be pressed to make the Preliminary Final against a committed and improving North Coffs side buoyant after a surprise win at Port Macquarie last start.
Their most recent clash was as early as a fortnight ago, and the Kangaroos were dominant, running out 66-point winners.
This match will be closer for two reasons. Firstly, the BCU Stadium is not conducive to big scores due to the size of the ground. Secondly, the Swans have been wary of the workload on their senior players in the under-age grade.
Whether they can bridge such a gap is another question and will require a monumental effort from the Swans’ youngsters.
Darby Pearce and Sam Turner are two such players who will be fresh and will need to carry their side to victory. Turner is among the leading goalkickers in the competition but will be played more in the midfield to quell the Kangaroos’ dominance in this part of the field.
North Coffs have better depth and class players of their own.
Nathan Harris has been most impressive this season and has a strong future in the competition. Brendan Norton is another in the same category and has impressed since his return from injury. He kicked five goals against the Swans in the last match and is difficult to tag as few players have the motor to match him across half-forward.
With better synergy, the Kangaroos should still be too strong but should be more sternly tested by an improved Swans outfit.
RECENT CLASHES
Round 14- North Coffs 16.16-112 def. Coffs Swans 7.4-46
Round 10- Coffs Swans 15.13-103 def. North Coffs 13.6-84
Round 4- North Coffs 14.13-97 def. Coffs Swans 9.10-64
Match Schedule
2.30pm- Port Macquarie v Nambucca Valley
12.50pm- Grafton v North Coffs
11.00am- North Coffs v Coffs Swans
GATES OPEN 10AM.
$8 Adults, $4 Aged Pensioners and Under 18s, Free- Under 12s
Last Modified on 11/08/2010 19:12