AFL North Coast- 2nd Semi Final Preview
Sawtell/Toormina v North Coffs
The Saints are potentially two wins away from a third successive premiership and will start undoubted favourites against North Coffs.
Only a brave man will bet against them judging by their perfect record so far this season. North Coffs, on the other hand, are looking to book a streamlined passage into the decider and a shot at their first Seniors’ premiership since 2004.
To do this, they will have to overcome some alarming trends which has seen Sawtell win their three encounters easily, to date, this season.
These matches have been lost by an average of 44-points with the Saints able to register the century on the scoreboard on each occasion.
The Saints ability to attack from the midfield is their main strength. They have several avenues to goal, with Mark Couzens and Jack Gillingham, among those players able to regularly bob their heads up on the goal scoring list.
Their main target, though, is Ben Hooke. He has kicked eighteen goals against the Kangaroos alone this season, and looms as a major threat that will need to be nullified for North Coffs to stand a chance.
Darren Funston and Levi Sands are more than potent across half-back, however, a lot is reliant on the midfield to ensure the ball movement is slow and shallow going forward, given North Coffs lack a key defender able to go with Hooke.
The pace out wide will also be an important factor which the Kangaroos need to improve to match their fancied opponents. Lachlan Draper-Bell and Todd Matthews are smart users of the ball with a turn of speed. Tom Merrick and Tim Heather are capable but need to offer the Kangaroos more out wide.
North Coffs have enough potency up forward to kick a winning score. Ben Sykes returns and is an obvious target who will play deep. Ryan Turner and Brendan Norton have showed promise across half-forward both in the air and with their defensive pressure.
A lot depends on the balance of talls, but the Kangaroos should rotate their rucks more in the forward line. Trent Freebody is their secondary ruckman with strong athletic ability and could be dangerous in supporting Turner and Norton. Kirt Connolly also fits the bill but will have his hands full taking on the influence of the best one-two ruck combination of Courtney Tune and Ethan Kelly.
The duo supplies well to the Rolls-Royce midfield of Luke Matthews, Mark Couzens and Simon Taylor. Any side would love to have one, let alone three of these stars in the centre contests.
They have had the wood on their North Coffs counterparts in the clearances and contested possessions, and in particular, they pulled their pants down in their Round 13 clash where they prevailed by ten goals.
There have been big wraps on Dean Funston and he hasn’t yet produced against quality opposition. Filling the gap left by former big-name recruit, Sam Dawes is a hard ask, but Dean needs a big finals campaign to support fellow midfielders, Josh Drum and Tom Campbell.
North Coffs have a lot of ground to catch up given their recent history. As has been said in the past, finals do strange things to some sides, even considering Sawtell’s rich vein of form in previous finals campaigns.
The Kangaroos know what they have to do, and if they can execute, there is no reason why they cannot topple the mighty Saints.
RECENT CLASHES
Round 13- Sawtell/Toormina 17.16-118 def. North Coffs 8.9-57
Round 8- Sawtell/Toormina 15.12-102 def. North Coffs 9.8-62
Round 2- Sawtell/Toormina 18.7-115 def. North Coffs 12.12-84
RESERVES
Sawtell/Toormina v Port Macquarie
The Reserves match will see seasoned rivals Sawtell and Port Macquarie keen to seal their place in the Grand Final.
Sawtell hold the wood on the Magpies, having won all three of their clashes this year.
Saying this, there has not been much between the two sides, with the highest margin being a 15-point win to the Saints at home in Round 14.
Port Macquarie are noted finals performers and one would be forgiven for not remembering how many consecutive premierships the Magpies have won.
Sawtell are hell-bent on knocking the ‘Pies off this year, however, with many veterans under Rick Johnson, sticking it out one more year in the hope of claiming a premiership.
There is noted experience on both sides of the fence.
Scott Payne leads the way for the Magpies, along with Craig Carroll and Chris Gridley. Troy Kelly is another who has been impressive this season.
For the Saints, Kyah Schwartz is having a strong season, while they will also benefit from the pace provided by Pat Myles.
Neither side will want to line up again against North Coffs who were quite impressive in defeated Grafton in last weekend’s Elimination Final, making this match all the more important.
UNDER 18s
Sawtell/Toormina v Port Macquarie
A cracker of a match is expected in the Under 18s to kick off proceedings for the Second Semi Final action.
There has been nothing separating these two sides this season. Sawtell leads the ledger by two wins to one, but their two wins came with a margin of one and six points. With this said, Port hold some momentum given they won their last encounter with a kick after the final siren.
Both sides have undisputed talent that have, and will, dominate the Seniors competition in the years to come.
One of the best things from the committee’s point of view this season has been the development of Port’s squad. They have mass numbers with players loving their footy.
Liam Carroll is a gem and a future leader of the club. His midfield work will be important to the result. Alex Gillman is another from the same mould, while Brayden Kennedy has plenty of skill at his disposal.
Sawtell are also reaping the benefits of a strong junior system. They will need to watch the workload of players such as Jack Gillingham, Ethan Kelly and Elliott Schmitt who will line up for their Senior squad later in the day.
Besides this duo, Blake Brissett is a hard-at-it midfielder capable of kicking goals. Jake Saunders is an exciting talent, also, as a tall player with undoubted athletic ability.
Hard to pick a winner.
Match Schedule
2.30pm- Sawtell/Toormina v North Coffs
12.50pm- Sawtell/Toormina v Port Macquarie
11.00am- Sawtell/Toormina v Port Macquarie
GATES OPEN 10AM.
$8 Adults, $4 Aged Pensioners and Under 18s, Free- Under 12s
Last Modified on 17/08/2010 21:27