Clash of the titans in Port Macquarie

The scene is set for the two biggest matches of the season to date to be played out at Port Macquarie on Saturday.

Port Macquarie Magpies host Coffs Harbour Breakers where both the Senior and Women’s matches pit first against second in encounters that could provide the best insight yet into how the 2019 competitions will play out.

In the Senior grade, the two teams are level on points and are separated by a small margin in percentage. The teams have faced off twice this season and the ledger stands at one win apiece. Interestingly, both matches were played at the Breakers home ground where the Magpies overcame that disadvantage in the last encounter to claim a hard fought and deserved win. This is the best indicator to suggest that Port should go into Saturday’s match at home as the favourites to claim the spoils.

Both teams go into this match off the back of strong wins last time out. Each team has suffered just the one loss in the season and will be extremely keen to get the upper hand on their opponent.

Shaydan Close and Nick Stanlan-Velt have been in impressive form up front for the Breakers and limiting the scoring potential of these two will be a key for Port.

Port’s forward threat has come from a variety of sources, with seven of the League’s top 11 goal kickers wearing the black and white. Jesse Schmidt has been ultra-reliable again this season and is getting far greater support than in recent years from players such as Tom Marmo, Fraser Carroll, and Kye Taylor.

The Women’s match between these two clubs is similarly evenly poised.

Port currently hold a two point lead on the ladder over Breakers and will know that a win in this clash will allow them to open a handy gap over their nearest rivals. A win for the Breakers will see them leapfrog Port and assume the top spot.

As with the Men, the honours have been shared in the two matches to date. Breakers won the first match by nine points before Port turned the tables the next time out to claim a three point win.

The Magpies’ leading lights have been Cambridge McCormick and Christine Kirby but it is the overall depth of talent in players such as Amy Foo, Anishah Burnes, Casey Miosge, and Ella Abi-Saab that makes them such a hard team to match up on.

Katika Adams has lead the Breakers from the front as the key forward, Cass Ronalds has been the driving force in midfield, new recruit Bella Grace has been a revelation in the ruck, and Bella Crawley has impressed across a range of key positions.

A preview of the round 9 matches between Sawtell Toormina Saints and Grafton/Northern Beaches will appear online on Friday (21 June).

Round 9 fixtures – Saturday 22 June

Port Macquarie Magpies v Coffs Harbour Breakers at Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie (Under 17 at 10:00am, Women at 11:50am, Reserves at 1:20pm, Seniors at 2:50pm)

Sawtell Toormina Saints v Grafton Tigers / Northern Beaches Blues at Richardson Park, Sawtell (Under 17 at 10:00am, Women at 11:50am, Reserves at 1:20pm, Seniors at 2:50pm)

For full fixture details, click here.