THE grand final marks 20 years since the first AFL North Coast grand final has been played at the Stadium.
AFL is the only sport to have supported the facility in every year since the C.ex Coffs International Stadium’s inception.
As an aside it has been five years since two Coffs Harbour based sides have faced off in a grand final and the local supporters are expected to be out in numbers today. The Coffs Swans have not won a flag since 1999 and their supporter group is hungry for success. The Saints have been runners up two years running but know what it takes to win the big ones.
Photo courtesy Rob Wright Coffs Coast Advocate
Appointment brings umpiring record
PORT Macquarie-based umpire Sean Staniforth will officiate what is believed to be a record eighth senior North Coast grand final this afternoon.
Staniforth commenced umpiring on the North Coast in 2006 and has officiated in all but one senior grand final since then.
He started his umpiring career in the Wimmera League in Victoria after 14 years as a player. Today he will be officiating with fellow Port based umpire Ken Berrigan and Scott Bellamy who both have previous grand final experience.
Eventful day for Bellamy
DURING the 2nd Semi-Finals, senior umpire Scott Bellamy had to contend with not one but two of his whistles failing him during the game.
Just as well the umps keep a couple of spares.
In addition to that he also tripped right in front of the main stand while running backwards and did a full backward somersault before landing back on his feet. I give that a 9.5 for the degree of difficulty.
Coffs Hotel good sport
THE Coffs Swans were a basket case less than 12 months ago.
No senior side and struggling to stay in the competition the future looked grim.
Club president, Alan Clayton, took up the challenge with his committee and the club now sits just one win away from ultimate glory.
These turnarounds do not just happen. There has been a lot of planning and heartache to get the club off the canvas and maybe a $25 voucher from the Coffs Hotel will in some way recognise that effort.
Last Modified on 22/08/2014 11:24