Coffs Swans 24.9-153 def. Port Macquarie 7.3-45
Coffs Swans
Goals: E. Duryea 7, P. Chadwick 4, S. Adams 2, T. Snow 2, D. Colman, D. Young, J. Thomas, J. Burow, S. Morgan, L. Maher, S. Burow, B. Ford, A. Waterfall
Best Players: Evan Duryea, Hamish Pearce, Tristan Snow, Peter Chadwick, Blake Ford, Leroy Maher
Port Macquarie
Goals: M. Newton 4, J. Brian, D. Blysma, M. Clark
Best Players: Matthew Lill, Dan Blysma, Shannon Skreja, Jarrod Brian, Matthew Newton
Umpires: L Turner, S Staniforth, N Wood
The much anticipated contest between the Swans and Magpies turned out to be a fizzer as the Swans dominated from start to finish to comprehensively outclass a listless opposition on a fine day at Fitzroy Oval.
Evan Duryea was instrumental in the first quarter kicking 5 goals to help the Swans to a 50 point lead at quarter time to just about close the match off such was Port's lack of attacking flair.
Duryea kicked another 2 in the second quarter to take his tally to seven for the half, as he and many of the Swans midfielders roamed forward without being picked up by an unusually-unaccountable 'Pies outfit. The Swans ability to break the lines was outstanding, showing the benefit of their youthful list this season as Hamish Pearce and Blake Ford continually won clearances as Peter Chadwick and Tristan Snow were among those to benefit from their dominance in the middle of the ground.
It was a dark day for Port as it was clear they were struggling for pace and flair as they were unable to find any continuity to their game. Matthew Newton was the lone forward to make an impression, but along with Jacob Hart, who also played up forward, it was surprising to not see them more in the thick of the action. Shannon Skreja was gallant and picked up more knocks than a prized boxer whilst Jesse Schmidt did his best in an unaccustomed defence role. Matthew Lill was the best for the losing side with a mature performance.
The Swans were dominant around the ground and would take great confidence from the result which now sees them cement their place at the top of the AFL North Coast ladder.
Sawtell/Toormina 22.8-140 def. Grafton 9.8-62
Sawtell/Toormina
Goals: B. Hooke 7, S. Prior 6, D. Johnson 2, S. Jackson 2, L. Cohen, L. Van Bussel, T. Matthews, T. McCormick, O. Shannon
Best Players: Les Cohen, Daniel Johnson, Ben Hooke, Todd Matthews, Lachlan Draper-Bell
Grafton
Goals: D. Zacek 4, S. Purton 2, Z. Edwards, T. Whalan, R. Gillett
Best Players: Ryan Sheather, Dave Gordon, Scott Onus, Josh Courtney, Daniel Zacek, David Onus
Umpires: R Macpherson, B Supple
Sawtell jumped to second on the ladder with a strong 78 point win over Grafton in AFL's return match to Centennial Oval.
Grafton were again competitive to half time with Ryan Sheather and Daniel Zacek helping the Tigers to a position where they were only three goals down at the main change after a strong second quarter performance.
Russ Matthews must have had some great words of wisdom at half time as the Saints bullocked home in the second half, with their defensive performance particularly impressive, in only allowing the Tigers one second half goal. Ben Hooke again continued his strong goal kicking forward, booting another 7 goals to match Evan Duryea's current feats on the scoresheet.
It was the usual names again strong for the Saints with Daniel Johnson and Les Cohen important at opposite ends of the ground, whilst young stars, Todd Matthews and Lachlan Draper-Bell, showed their potential in another impressive Saints victory.
North Coffs 36.24-240 def. Nambucca Valley 1.2-8
North Coffs
Goals: D. Funston 8, S. Dawes 7, A. Pitzen 3, B. Giri 3, L. Valdes 3, J. O''Connor 2, T. Merrick 2, T. Ryan 2, D. McIntyre, M. Crispe, T. Heather, A. Delves, G. Golsby-Smith, J. Kane
Best Players: D. Funston, B. Giri, J. O'Connor, S. Dawes, T. Merrick, G. Connolly
Nambucca Valley
Goals: J. Boatfield
Best Players: M. Townsend, B. Zutt, B. Toohey, M. Fraser, D. Creaser, J. Boatfield
Umpires: G Maasaad, K Berrigan
The Lions season went from bad to worse, as the Kangaroos, inspired by the return of club legend, Brad Giri, helped them inflict a 232 point drubbing.
Giri was instrumental in North Coffs' dominance on the scoresheet, as his bullocking style in the centre of the ground has not been lost on any of the fans of the competition, which is a good sign for the Kangaroos, as he is sure to form a strong partnership with another star in Sam Dawes, who again put out another skilful display.
Darren Funston was unstoppable up forward with eight goals, and the 'Roos dominance around the ground constricted the Lions to a single goal, which they scored in the third quarter.
The signs look good for a developing Kangaroos outfit looking to establish some continuity and match fitness, whilst the Lions' must wonder where their season goes from here; but as the classics say, all the hard work is done on the training track. Some of the Lions' should heed this advice if the side is to improve.
Last Modified on 11/05/2008 17:01