AFL Report Round 15– 3/8
Tigers Last Tilt at Second Semi
The premiership titleholders Grafton have one last opportunity to book a spot in the second semi final in a fortnight when they take on Sawtell/Toormina at Richardson Park this afternoon. The Tigers were knocked off top spot by Port last week although they reportedly had up to nine senior players unavailable. Some of these players have not had a lot of football this season, which must be a concern for the coaching staff with the finals starting next weekend. Dale Beaver has hardly had a run, Justin Darby looked rusty a few weeks back and Charles Fish has not had to contest for possession since his honeymoon! I am not prepared to write the Tigers off just yet but they need to get some miles into their stars today.
The Saints on the other hand have been building quietly and coach Russ Matthews has a habit of timing the preparation of his troops to perfection although he has been confronted with a massive injury list himself. At one stage that list included ten players with broken bones! On a positive note key forward Rob Zeegers has come out of premature retirement to bolster the stocks. The coach expressed similar sentiments to his opposite Adi Campbell bemoaning attendance at training and commitment to the team. Adi pulled the boots on last week so maybe we might see big Russ on the paddock today? In other games the Coffs Swans are away to Camden Haven with a win securing a spot in the finals while the train wreck that is North Coffs could not muster any sides for their Port Macquarie commitments.
AROUND THE TRAPS with ‘Rocket’ Rod Macpherson
CEO Flags Support for North Coast
AFL NSW/ACT Chief Executive Craig Bolton gave an inspiring speech last Saturday at the Coffs Hotel to a small but vocal gathering of local AFL players and administrators. Apart from sharing some stories of his old acquaintances with the likes of Jason Ackermanis and Leigh Matthews, Bolton was steadfastly behind local moves to revitalise north coast AFL and further grow participation at both junior and senior levels. Bolton has shown that he is a good man to have in your corner throughout his playing career at Brisbane and Sydney and his open and honest commitment was well received.
Feedback All Good from Super Saturday
Newly appointed AFLNC Operations Manager Jason Sincock is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Scratchy, as he is affectionately known, has been a fantastic servant to the game as both a player and administrator and his bold move to schedule all games in Coffs Harbour and bring the sides together turned out to be a great success and is likely to be repeated in some fashion next season. The atmosphere at Leisure Park was terrific and the league got a good turnout both at the games and later that night to hear Sydney Swans premiership player Craig Bolton. Well done Scratchy.
Calling All Kangaroos
The North Coffs Kangaroos dominated north coast AFL from 1999 to 2009 playing in nine grand finals during that eleven year period and winning four of those. This once mighty club has had some issues this season and there is lot of talk about the club folding or merging. In my view it would be extremely disappointing to lose a foundation club with such a rich history without a fight. There are plans to restructure the league next season and I would like to see the Kangaroos be a part of that revamped competition in some capacity. If there are any diehard Kangas out there now is the time to step up.
Picture: Local North Coast legend Paul Sheldon receiving trophy from Rod Macpherson. "Sheldo's" beloved Port Reserve Garde team will be a strong contendor for this seasons title.
Last Modified on 03/08/2013 17:15