AFL at My Local Oval – I’d like to See That!

AFL action returns to local ovals across the North Coast this weekend with round 1 action in both the Senior and Junior competitions.

The Senior competition gets underway on Saturday with matches to be played in Seniors (First), Reserve, and Under 18 grades.

Cross Conference action is set to return with matches to be played against the clubs from the Northern Rivers League. This format proved so popular last season that the format has expanded in 2017, with each club having the chance to host two rounds. In addition, Cross Conference footy will also include Reserves in 2017, meaning that home games will include both Seniors and Reserves as a double header.

Last season’s competition was one of the most even on record, with three teams competing for top spot on the ladder going into the final round. Let’s take a look at the competitors going into 2017.

SAWTELL TOORMINA SAINTS

The three time reigning Premiers will start the season as the favourites to add a fourth consecutive trophy to the cabinet. Jim Angel will be steering the ship this season and is joined in the coaching ranks by club legend Luke Matthews who has quickly marked himself as being just as astute a coach as he is a player.

The Saints chances have been boosted every bit as much by the players who have decided to stay as by their new recruits. A number of players had planned to head south but a change in circumstances has seen them stay put and don the red, black, and white again. Callum and Lachie Day have both been accepted into Southern Cross University, whilst Leif Stuart and Hamish Bird have both found romance. Meanwhile, three time League Best & Fairest winner Mark Couzens has shelved any plans to retire for at least another 12 months.

Ins: Jack Gillingham (former Saints player, 2 time Grand Final Best & Fairest winner), Matt Dwyer (dual premiership winner in Mt Isa), Isaiah Ness (Albany, WA), Jed Ellis-Cluff (former Saints player who has dominated in Armidale in recent seasons)

Outs: Lachie Christopher (Mansfield, Victoria), Riley Connor (Sydney)

COFFS HARBOUR BREAKERS

The Breakers came so far in 2016, only to fall at the final hurdle. This really hurt the entire club and was enough to prompt player/coach Nic von Schill to stay around to try and right the wrong. Von Schill is joined in the clipboard department by Darren “Freddy” Funston who was forced into playing retirement by a ruptured Achilles in last season’s Preliminary Final.

The Breakers have lost big Patty Curtain, Sam Hardes, and Nathan Hay to Grafton but will be boosted by the return to full fitness of key players such as 2016 League Best & Fairest winner Fraser Duryea and Jacob Sincock.

Ins: Nick Stanlon Velt (North Coffs junior who has been playing with Moorabin in Melbourne), Darcy Hail (giant ruckman from Melbourne), Ryan Blencoe (from Wagga, will add run), Luke Valdez (North Coffs Best & Fairest winner, returning from a spell in Brisbane)

Outs: Pat Curtain, Sam Hardes, Nathan Hay (all Grafton), Jay Guthrie, Darren Funston (both retired), Kieren Bellemore (Uni in Newcastle), Joe Amery (Darling Downs, Queensland)

PORT MACQUARIE MAGPIES

The Magpies have been faced with a number of retirements and players unavailable for various reasons, so will be looking to their key figures to lead them through what could be a challenging season. One of the biggest losses is Max Lower who played for the NSW/ACT Under 18s last season and has moved to Sydney to pursue footy and university careers.

The good news is that three time League Best and Fairest winner and club champion, Jesse Schmidt, is looking refreshed and raring to go after sitting out the Cricket season. Jesse will be absolutely key to the team’s chances and will get great support from the ever reliable Craig Dicker, Scott Dalton, and Rod Sonogan. Jakob Gray joins the club from Kalgoorlie and will add much needed quality.

Ins: Jakob Gray (Kalgoorlie, WA)

Outs: Max Lower (Sydney), James Nelson (Melbourne), Taylor Stone (Tasmania), Angus Scott (work commitments), Adam Mannes (Coleambally), Ben Manton (retired)
 

GRAFTON TIGERS

The Tigers were off the pace in 2016 but, if recruitment is anything to go by, will be much more competitive in 2017. Luke Stanford had a stellar on-field season last year, has stepped into the coaching role and is building a solid spine of recruits that the club will build their game plan around.

Pat Curtain, Nathan Hay, and Sam Hardes have all come from the Breakers and provide quality at centre half-forward, ruck, and in the back line. Cameron Howard is a quality inside mid who will share the ball-winning load with Stanford, whilst Hamish Ellem is a talented local who makes his long awaited step up to Senior footy.
Jack Walder returns to the club having taken a break since the Tigers premiership glory days of 2010 and 2011. Rumour has it that captain of those golden teams, Dan Zacek, has been spotted pounding the streets in readiness for a return to the field.

Ins: Pat Curtain, Sam Hardes, Nathan Hay (all Breakers), Cameron Howard (WA and Canberra), Doug Perich (WA), Hamish Ellem (local junior, Coolangatta), Pete Laurie (West Sydney), Jack Walder (returning Premiership player with Grafton)

Outs: Ethan Olsen (injured), Blake Richards (Ceduna)

Round one of the competition sees Sawtell Toormina Saints at home to Port Macquarie Magpies at Richardson Park, whilst Grafton Tigers play host to Coffs Breakers at Ellem Oval. Main games get underway at 2:20pm.