Looking at both teams on paper in the Seniors, there is class in most positions over the field. Here, we take a closer look as to the potential match winners for either side.
'Champion Midfielders'
Mark Couzens (Sawtell) and Sam Dawes (North Coffs)
The Olympics may be over, but both these two ornaments of the game this season are more than capable of turning in a gold medal performance this weekend. They are odds-on favourites for the Woodlock Medal for best afield.
Dawes has been best on ground in his two appearances during the finals series. Solidly built, yet mobile, he is deceptive in his ability to cover the field, playing a pivotal role in attack and defence, as well as his main midfield role. He even performed with distinction in the Elimination Final against Port in the ruck. Moving up from Shepparton this season, without his presence, it is highly questionnable whether the 'Roos would be in the position they are in now with a chance of winning the flag.
Couzens has been in equally-blistering form over the last month and a half. Like the Saints who have built their charge well towards the finals, Couzens has gained match fitness and has pulled out another consistent season. He is calm under pressure and is a well-respected leader and figure of the game. Similarly built to Dawes, he covers ground very well.
Great anticipators and overhead marks, there aren't too many weaknesses in these two stars. Hence they are pivotal to their respective sides chances.
'Mr Accountable'
Daniel Pritchard (Sawtell) and Josh Drum (North Coffs)
These two are the best taggers in the competition and will get key posts on Saturday. Neither will probably get the adultation they deserve if their side wins but they will get the satisfaction and respect from knowing they did their job.
Both have done the job on Evan Duryea in the last two weeks, with Drum also having the runs on the board having performed admirably despite being outsized by Port's, Jesse Schmidt. Both are similar height and play similar roles, being adaptable to play in a variety of positions, due to their experience.
They have threatened to break out this season and I'm thinking they are primed for a big one on Saturday. They won't let their sides down.
'Pace to burn'
Matt Elliott and Todd Matthews (Sawtell), Tim Heather and Tom Merrick (North Coffs)
In what is expected to be a tightly fought affair in the clinches, the ability of these players to break the lines and give good delivery to their forwards will be all important.
Matthews won his club best and fairest and is having a stellar year, arguably in the best five players now of the competition. Elliott is much maligned but is also important to the Saints chances with his pace on the wing. Lachlan Draper-Bell will be another speedster who will have to step up to the finals pressure up forward.
Tim Heather and Tom Merrick have been reliable throughout the finals series for the 'Roos and will again be dependable for the blue and whites on Saturday. With the footy in their hands they add that bit of variety to North Coffs' thrusts forward. Look for them to step up to the plate again.
'The forward line myth'
Ben Hooke (Sawtell) vs North Coffs
This has been the case the last few matches between these two, but considering the form of the two sides in the last few weeks, this presumption would do an injustice.
Whilst Hooke is still going strong, Sawtell look all the more dangerous with a variety of goal kickers to entrust with kicking a winning score. They had 10 goal kickers against the Swans two weeks ago and have handy players in Dave Meyers and Les Cohen with experience in front of the big sticks. Saying this, and rightly so, Hooke will be the go-to man for the Saints.
North Coffs have looked impressive in attack in recent outings but Saturday is their true test against the best defence in the competition. Pressure comes from the midfield and this has an effect on the supply to the forwards. Darren Funston has booted multiple goals in the finals matches the 'Roos have been involved in. Trent Cook was also impressive and was amongst the best players against the Swans. Jamie Coad and Matthew Crispe, along with Jordan O'Connor are handy forwards.
'Premier big men battle it out'
Courtney Tune (Sawtell) and Graham Connolly (North Coffs)
They come from varying backgrounds but these boys are both accomplished big men capable of a big display. Tune hails from Victoria and his passive nature belies his explosive leap. Connolly has been taught the game and is still relatively new in the system but is arguably the best tap ruckman in the League. Their standing is well shown as both were selected to Representative honours as rotating ruckmen.
Saturday will go a long way to proving the worth of these two ruckmen. Clearances will be the key and no doubt these two will have a big say in how the match pans out in this respect.
'They have been here before....'
Jai Hardy (Sawtell) and Brad Giri (North Coffs)
If either side underestimate the potential of these two stalwarts of the game, they will be punished. It would not be surprising if either have a strong influence on the game such is their ability to read the play and win possessions at will.
Hardy has had an interrupted season with a chronic back injury and has fought on manfully to propel the Saints to another Grand Final. He is a classy user of the football and is experienced. His contribution will be mostly up forward where he is most dangerous.
Not enough can be said about Giri. He is probably the most respected figure in the game. Like Hardy, he has had an interrupted season, but has made sure he got a couple of games under his belt before the finals. Club personnel says he will go around again next year, a major boost, considering his supposed retirement last year. In this year, he won the League and Club Best & Fairest in a halycon year, such is his influence. He is as tough as they come and is aggressive in his use of the footy.
'Don't forget about the kids'
Michael Bibby and Tristan McCormick (Sawtell), Alex Delves and Luke Valdes (North Coffs)
Unlike the Swans who had kids left, right and centre, both sides have a sprinkling of youngsters capable of very good performances. Bibby and McCormick have played footy for a while and have been identified as star juniors and attracted the attention of higher authorities as was their class. This hasn't changed and have improved with experience.
Bibby is a tough as nails midfielder. He probably hasn't had as good a year as last year but has come back to the Coast and put out consistent performances. McCormick was one of the Saints best in the Semi Final win and is a luxury for the coaching staff as is his ability to be used in a variety of positions, such is his height and agility.
Norths will rely on the youth of Delves. Underestimated, he will be a good player in the future if he continues his strong form and will get more opportunities in the midfield as he grows in experience and bulk. He is a classy user of the football and is reliable. Valdes is much the same and also seems to get better with age. They will probably play in defence and will have their hands full.
Last Modified on 25/08/2008 23:19