Who will be First into 2011 Grand Final?
For the first time in living memory competition bookends Grafton and Port Macquarie will meet in the AFL North Coast second semi final at BCU International Stadium this afternoon with the winner straight into the grand final in a fortnight. This is the Tiger’s first foray into senior finals while Port Macquarie are regulars in the playoffs. That is sure to be an advantage to the southern Magpies despite the fact they have not beaten Grafton this season.
Port has an excellent side containing no less than eleven players recently named in their team of the decade. While some of those like Damon Munt, Shannon Skreja, Scott Payne, Clayton Miechel and Matt Newton are nearing the twilight of their careers they are still formidable talents. Some of those older legs will struggle on the big stadium oval but they certainly will not lack experience.
For the Tigers it will be first time for most of this side at BCU and that lack of experience could be a telling factor. The Tigers have dominated the competition and have undoubtedly the best attack in the league. Sean Purdon, Daniel Zacek, Dale Beaver and Evan Duyrea are all multiple goal kickers and blessed with silky skills. Beaver is an amazing talent and I urge any footy followers to get out and watch his bag of tricks. The ruck contest between the Tiger’s Grahame Connelly and Dean Nankivell will be a ripper. Both have outstanding leaps. Port boasts the best defence on paper lead by Greg Dean and Craig Dicker while the midfield looks pretty even with Sam Morrison and Ron Davis well matched against Pies opponents Matt Lill, Shannon Skreja and Haydyn Kennedy. Ryan Sheather and Justin and Will Darby will have big jobs to hold Port forwards Matt Newton, Jessie Schmidt and Damon Munt and that is probably where the contest will be decided. If they can hold this trio to less than three goals each Grafton should be first through to the 2011 grand final. However as Port coach, Scott Payne observed this week "Everyone knows that the competition starts again once the finals roll around". This will be a close hard contest. We have already seen one upset with the Swans an early exit last week and maybe another is brewing?
Old Scores to Settle
Port Macquarie and Sawtell have a long rivalry at reserves level and meet once again in the second semi final today at 12.50pm. The Saints inflicted Port’s only defeat last time they met and will have the luxury of having a full list to select from. Dave Myers, Jai Hardy, Les Cohen and Israel Bosshard all have senior experience and will be keys today. Port has won the last eight reserve grade premierships and will be hard to beat. Chris Gridley’s Magpies are emotionally fired up for this in memory of club stalwart and reserves champion Paul Sheldon, who passed tragically after a game early this year. Expect fireworks.
Showcase of Junior Talent in U18 Second Semi
North Coffs and Port Macquarie have been the stand out sides in the U18 fixture and meet today to see who gets first entry into grand final 2011. There is nothing between the two sides and they both boast outstanding talent. None better than North Coffs star Brendan Norton who gained experience with the Sydney Swans reserves during the year. Norton and captain Nathan Harris will be players to watch. North Coffs is yet to beat the Magpies this season but they are clearly the danger to the southerners who, as a club, are yet to win a junior title.
Rod Macpherson
Last Modified on 18/08/2011 16:18