North West Claims Rep Trophy for First Time in 18 years
The Senior Competition made way for the annual rep fixture against AFL North West, with this year’s match played in perfect conditions at Varley Oval, Inverell.
The North West team turned in an impressive performance to end AFL North Coast’s domination in the fixture and lift the trophy for the first time since 1999. The North Coast boys were valiant in their efforts but superior commitment to the representative program by the North West players proved the difference.
Boasting their strongest line-up in many years the North West team started strongly and quickly eased to the front on the scoreboard. The North Coast did their best to go with their opponents but couldn’t get enough clean possession to muster significant scoring pressure and the margin gradually drew throughout the first three quarters.
With the result beyond doubt going into the final term the North Coast team summoned one last big effort to restore pride and had the best of both the play and the scoring. Whilst the final scoreline wasn’t flattering for the North Coast the players did a great job of keeping the margin under 100 points.
The North Coast team was brilliantly led by captain Luke Stanford who was awarded Best on Ground for North Coast by the Umpires. The North West team recognised veteran defender Sam Hardes as the recipient of the Paul Sheldon Medal for his performance across the half back line. Grafton’s new recruit, Josh “The Package” Veness marked himself as one to watch for the remainder of the season with the quality of his display and four goals from midfield.
AFL North West 20.23.143 defeated AFL North Coast 7.6.48
The players, coaches, and managers of the North Coast team have acknowledged that greater buy-in and support is needed for rep footy from everyone involved locally if the trophy is to be regained next season. Planning is already underway on how to raise the profile of the program and commitment from players so that North Coast can put it’s strongest team on the park next season.
