AFL Report Grand Finals 31/8
Magpies Storming into Flag Favourites
Port Macquarie Magpies have thrown down the challenge to Sawtell/Toormina with their emphatic 105 point thrashing of reigning premier Grafton last week. They enter todays exciting Grand Final at CEX Stadium as slight favourites. Defeated by the Saints in the second semi by a whisker the Pies bounced back and produced some of the best running team football seen on the coast for many years. I spoke with Port coach Scott Abercrombie during the week about their prospects "We really turned up to play last week. The loss to Sawtell really fired us up and when we get it right we can beat anyone" The club has however become a victim of its own success to a certain extent. U18 players Darren Bourke, Tom Dickson, Kirk Lower and Scott Dickson were outstanding last week but will have an U18 grand final to play earlier today. Port has a policy to play U18 players in their age group first and this quartet will likely sit on an extended bench in the seniors but will they have the same impact?
Sawtell coach Russ Matthews received some good news during the week with his son and form midfielder Scott Matthews cleared by the tribunal and available to play today. Matthews has been in outstanding form in 2013 and is a key player in the Saints structure. Pacey winger Jake Saunders looks to have recovered from what appeared to be a season ending injury when he was stretchered from CEX last week. Oh to be young again. The Saints will however miss reliable defender Matt Flynn who is unavailable although the coach remained confident about their chances saying "The boys have their minds on the job and are really switched on. This is their opportunity to atone for the loss in last years final". Daniel ‘DJ’ Johnson is the X factor for the Saints. The key defender is an elite runner with a mighty penetrating left boot and will play a pivotal role in both defence and attack. This should be an absolute cracker game.
Port are short priced favourites to secure their maiden U18 flag against the Coffs Swans starting at 11am although the two have had some good battles during the season. In reserve grade at 1pm Camden Haven will be looking to make history against the charging Coffs Swans in what should be an enthralling contest.
AROUND THE TRAPS with ‘Rocket’ Rod Macpherson
Bombers to Make History
Camden Haven has only been in the competition since 2012 and have only entered a senior side this season. Today their reserve grade side could create history and win a flag in its very first year in the competition. Driven by the outstanding talents of Jackson Ireland the Bombers have swept all before them and only have to knock off the Coffs Swans today to complete their amazing rise to glory. Mind you the Coffs Swans might lack a bit of fitness but have their own amazing talent in the veteran Tristan Snow who despite fitness concerns continues to dominate big games. Who can run with Jacko? It won’t be Snowy thats for sure!
Emotional Time for Reflection
The best on ground in the U18 Grand Final today will be awarded the inaugural Nathan Harris Medal. The medal was struck in memory of North Coffs outstanding young talent Nathan Harris who died tragically late last year after captaining and starring in the club’s U18 premiership team. Harry displayed all of the attributes that you would want in a player and a person and is still sadly missed. His father Paul Harris will present the medal today in what will no doubt be an emotional ceremony. I hope the player given the award can appreciate the honour that goes with it.
Kangaroos Celebrate
A reminder to all the Kangaroo faithful that the North Coffs club will be holding their presentation of trophies at their sponsors premises Plantation hotel on September 14th from 5pm.
Grand Final Showpiece
The league has experienced one of its most challenging seasons since its inception just over 30 years ago. Citings, reports, complaints, forfeits, dismissals … you name it we have had it in 2013 but that all pales into insignificance today. The finals series has produced some outstanding football and the big one today looks like being an absolute belter. In addition, Port could win their first U18 flag, Camden Haven their first reserves flag and the senior game promises to be one of the best contests in a decade. You just have to love finals time. Bring it on!
Last Modified on 29/08/2013 14:54