Sawtell reign surpreme
Sawtell/Toormina 22.14-146 def. North Coffs 7.6-48
The Saints again showed what it takes to win the big games with a resounding win to clinch the Senior premiership at BCU Stadium.
No-one at the ground could have fathomed such a result, but would have been mesmerised by the skill and superiority the Saints showed over the course of the match.
Every weakness of North Coffs was exposed and they found it hard to match the pace and trend set by the Saints after a gruelling finals campaign.
A five goal opening quarter set up the Saints day. The centre dominance was the platform that was laid for the entire contest, as Courtney Tune and Mark Couzens formed a lethal combination. Todd Matthews was also profilic in the opening stages and helped the Saints gain a lead they would never relinquish.
The second quarter was sublime and knocked the wind out of the 'Roos sails. Tristan McCormick ran havoc across centre half-forward and Ben Hooke furthered his yearly tally as Sawtell booted eight second quarter goals. North Coffs did everything they could to unsettle the Saints in what was a fiery 25 minute period, but despite some Saints ill-discipline they continued to run rings around their opposition. Hooke booted six goals for the day to win an enthralling contest against Josh Drum.
Another eight goals were added in the third term and again it was the centre of Mark Couzens and Jai Hardy that were towelling up their direct opponents. Sam Dawes and Brad Giri had little influence on the competition and despite the best efforts of Darren Funston at half-forward, who battled hard against one of the best defenders in Josh Edwards, he didn't see enough of the ball to have a lasting impact.
To North's credit, they won the final term but the hard work had been done by the Saints.
It was befitting that Mark Couzens and coach, Russ Matthews held aloft the premiership cup. Both were architects of the Saints perfect performance, with Couzens winning the Woodlock Medal for best afield and Matthews won his fifth straight premiership as coach.
It was the Saints day, dominant throughout, much like it has been throughout 'their' season.
Port continue Reserves' dominance
Port Macquarie 5.5-35 def. Sawtell/Toormina 4.6-30
Goal Kickers
Port Macquarie: C. Gridley 2, M. Clark, J. Stangherlin, S. Jackson
Sawtell/Toormina: S. Johnston 2, S. Prior, S. Jackson
Best Players
Port Macquarie: G. Wiegold, A. Davis, S. Payne
Sawtell/Toormina: B. Alp, R. Johnson, S. Lott
Nothing much separated these two sides this season and again this was proven with a 5 point win to the Port Magpies.
The premiership experience of the 'Pies showed through with Gordon Wiegold winning best afield with an inspired performance in the midfield. Adam Davis and the returning, Scott Payne, were vital for the victors also in a tight and tough affair.
Bruce Alp was best for the Saints across the backline. Not more than two goals was kicked by any side in any quarter showing the close nature of the match but again Paul Sheldon could smile as his side prevailed against worthy opposition.
Sawtell's teamwork is the right formula
Sawtell/Toormina 11.9-75 def. Coffs Swans 10.5-65
Goal Kickers
Sawtell/Toormina: E. Schmitt 5, S. Taylor 3, J. Gillingham, S. Lane, R. Dunn
Coffs Swans: F. Duryea 4, S. Adams 3, H. Pearce, J. Burow, S. Turner
Best Players
Sawtell/Toormina: S. Taylor, E. Schmitt, J. Gillingham, E. Kelly, N. Kirkman
Coffs Swans: S. Turner, S. Adams, F. Duryea, H. Pearce
Sawtell's chemistry as a team helped them prevail over the experience of the Swans in a see-sawing affair.
It was Jack Gillingham who won the medal for best afield, but Simon Taylor would've given the judges a great nudge with a classical display in the midfield. The duo formed a lethal combination, winning possessions at ease and running rampant despite the close attention of the Swans.
Their fitness and pace was superior and their forward line was set to their preference. Elliott Schmidt was inspired at full-forward and won the vast majority of the contests when one-out deep up forward. The delivery was sublime but his marking and ability to convert opportunities shows the youngster has a great future. He had three different opponents and beat them all hands down.
Ill-discipline inevitably cost the Swans. One player was sent off for 10 minutes, during which time the Saints booted three goals. Another fifty-metre penalty resulted in a goal; all opportunities that the Saints duly accepted and took advantage of.
Sam Turner was among the Swans best. He was able to hit a moving target and his goal in the third quarter shifted the momentum towards a Swans comeback. Fraser Duryea and Shane Adams tried valiantly in the midfield and moved forward to boot seven goals between them, but there weren't enough contributors to match the Saints superb team performance.
More shots in Photos section of AFL North Coast Website
Last Modified on 01/09/2008 13:36