AFL Report Round 2 – 20/4
Sawtell Look too Strong
Sawtell/Toormina were very good last week and recorded a comfortable victory against a competitive North Coffs. That form will be put to the test when they meet Port Macquarie today and the Magpies unleash their talented playing list for the first time in 2013. The Pies have added Phil Burgoyne from South Australia while losing key forward Matt Newton. The club will be looking to young stars Kyle Lynch and Alex Gillman to fill the breach. Tenacious defender Craig Dicker has overcome niggling injuries and will add some hardness.
The Saints were very impressive last week with an even team contribution. Mark Couzens was fantastic but I was impressed at their ability to apply pressure all over the ground. I am not sure what the boys are eating out there but Ben Hooke, Scott and Beau Matthews have bulked up over summer and used their extra body strength to good advantage. Saints at home look too strong.
North Coffs to Get on the Board
North Coffs should record their first win in 2013 when they take on the undermanned Coffs Swans at Fitzroy Oval this afternoon. The Roos will be without star recruit Daniel Elstone who suffered a broken jaw in his first hit out last week. While they lost the contest last week North Coffs were still impressive and unearthed a new star in Lachlan Miller who was a standout in the wet against a formidable Sawtell opposition. Talk about pace to burn! I am looking forward to seeing him fire up the afterburners on a big dry ground. Brendan Norton was sensational booting six amazing goals and will be hard for the Swans to contain and will be joined by star veteran Darren Funston making his 2013 debut.
The Swans battled manfully against the odds last week with Leroy Maher in vintage form but lack options up forward. Sam Turner has added some size to his frame but sacrificed some pace in doing so.
AROUND THE TRAPS with ‘Rocket’ Rod Macpherson
Well Travelled Beaver
While that headline might sound a bit like an ad for a mobile escort agency Grafton Tigers favourite son, and past best and fairest winner, Dale Beaver looks likely to don the black and gold in 2013. Beaver who lives on the Gold Coast and works in Sydney, will clock up a considerable number of kilometres before the season is out. The classy midfielder will be a big boost to the Tigers back to back to back campaign.
Local Star Makes Impression
Former North Coffs junior Levi Sands is chasing his AFL dream at Western Suburbs in the Sydney league. In a huge confidence boost Levi was recognised with the Rising Star nomination for his outstanding performance last weekend. With the recent trend of AFL clubs recruiting mature age players outside the draft system this recognition will not do him any harm.
Wet Weather Footy
We get spoiled here on the north coast with very few wet football days as a result of our fantastic climate and the council’s firm stance on ground closures. Not so last week with all games being played on heavy grounds. For us former Mexicans that was a pleasure to behold.
Welcome to Coffs Harbour!
North Coffs boom recruit Daniel Elsome started his first AFLNC season with a standout first half before copping a heavy knock that saw him subbed off for the rest of the game. X-rays later revealed a broken jaw that will see him missing for a number of weeks.
Last Modified on 21/04/2013 16:35