Coffs Swans v Sawtell
Top spot on the AFL North Coast ladder is on the line at Fitzroy Oval on Saturday as the Coffs Swans host the Sawtell Saints at Fitzroy Oval.
There is nothing quite like the two top sides clashing on a sunny Saturday in Coffs Harbour. That is what the crowd will get in this clash between the two best attacking sides, with star names all over the park for both sides.
Both sides are in superb touch, especially the Saints who have won their last two clashes convincingly. The Swans are coming off a win at Port to break a decade-long record in the process in a tight affair. All leads to an enthralling clash that has a finals-like billing between two premiership contenders.
The Saints demolished the Swans at their last meeting but the red and whites are in much better shape this time around with all key personnel expected to be back on deck, including Tristan Snow.
The Saints are a very disciplined and tough outfit under Russ Matthews. They score freely and are stingy down back. Their midfield makes a lot of this occur through the pressure and zoning they exert on their opposition.
Courtney Tune is one reason Sawtell are dominating on the scoresheet at present. Mark Couzens and Harley Schmidt, are among those in the midfield, who are blessed with first supply from Tune’s hit-outs. Shane McGrath, in particular, has a big task nullifying the impact of the Saints’ authority in the middle of the ground. Throw in Daniel Pritchard, Scott Matthews, Dean Matthews and Les Cohen, and Sawtell have a talented and fiercely competitive core unit. Young stars Tristan McCormick and Todd Matthews are playing brilliant footy and Michael Bibby looks set to return this week. Jai Hardy played his first game last week and while obviously underdone he oozes class and is a handy addition to any side.
The big question mark is on who will match up on Ben Hooke who has kicked 24 goals in his last two games. Spencer Day and Zac Bullivant are among the candidates who will have to cater for Hooke’s explosive pace and upper body strength. No doubt his opponent will need assistance, thus one could expect the Swans to drop an extra man back and slow the Saints quick movement through the midfield.
The Swans are emerging as the pacesetters boasting a combination of youth and experience. Sawtell’s physical presence will need to shut down the run the Swans are able to create through Evan Duryea and Blake Ford. These two are an example of the increased professionalism amongst the Swans’ ranks this season. They train hard under Peter Chadwick and stick to a set game plan that is reaping results.
Experienced Swans’ players such as Dave Colman and Dave Box are improving as the season progresses, and Rob Eddy is a solid contributor each week. A lot of the focus has been on the Duryea brothers, but most impressive has been the other youngsters and how they have fit into the side. Bullivant, Ford, the Burows twins and Hamish Pearce have fit in like a glove and have not yet been over-rawed by the extra pressure that Senior football creates.
To create a family atmosphere and promote football in the area, the Juniors will be holding matches in the morning, with the Under 16s, in particular, sure to showcase the best young talent in the area. That match starts at 11.30am, with the main game at 2.20pm. All games are expected to be tight.
This shapes as the game of the season to date; a must-see contest between two proud sides. It will be their last clash before the finals; so not only points, but also a psychological edge is on stake for the victors.
North Coffs v Port Macquarie
Another crucial clash is taking place at the Coffs Coast Leisure Park between the sides looking to keep pace with the top two. The North Coffs Kangaroos host Port Macquarie at home and would be looking to inflict Port's second successive defeat and make a charge at the top two.
North Coffs were efficient against a competitive Nambucca Valley outfit with their forward line particularly impressive. Their numerous targets can kick the ball to the moon and lead well to the ball. Jordan O’Connor looks a gun and Trent Cook has been impressive since joining the ‘Roos mid-season. Sam Dawes and Darren Funston got plenty of the football last weekend and will welcome Josh Drum to the midfield for this match.
The 'Roos are welcoming back key personnel at a crucial time in the season and look a menacing prospect heading into the finals. One could say they are the "dark horses" with some pundits predicting a Grand Final appearance. Time will only tell!
Port Macquarie hasn’t travelled well this season and their side is sure to be reeling after their loss to the Swans after seemingly holding control at various stages later in the match. The final composition of their side is unknown but the ‘Roos will know the key to winning the match is shutting down Matthew Newton. Newton has been a sole hand in attack for the Magpies in recent times and will need some of his other forwards to step up if they are to be threat come finals time.
Jesse Schmidt and Matthew Lill will also be dangerous but inevitably they will probably lack the depth to challenge the home side. Saying this, it should be a competitive clash and one also worth a look.
Grafton v Nambucca Valley
Both sides will be looking to break their winless drought at Woolgoolga’s Centennial Oval come Saturday. It should be a great contest despite nothing much being at stake, other than pride.
Grafton keep threatening to take the next step in challenging the competition top four but their away record has prevented them from making major inroads.The side should welcome back a few key names this week. Daniel Zacek again led the way last week in the absence of Sean Purton, whilst Dave Gordon and Zac Edwards should start with an advantage in the ruck for this clash. Scott Onus is one who embodies the spirit the Tigers’ play with against adversity each week.
Much the same can be said about the Lions, who will be happy with their recent form. They are more competitive and will challenge the Tigers after they easily won their last encounter. To win, they will have to counter a vocal home crowd and find another avenue to goal, as they currently rely heavily on Ray McGrath to kick a winning score. Tim Holden and Luke Benson have been their best in recent weeks and should get them closer to a victory this weekend.
Last Modified on 26/06/2008 11:49