Round 8 wrap: Sawtell back on top
Photo: Brad Greenshields, Coffs Coast Advocate
Sawtell Toormina Saints have returned to the top of the AFL North Coast ladder for the first time in a month with victory over Coffs Breakers in a high quality local derby.
The match at Richardson Park was played in blustery conditions with the northerly breeze always likely to be a factor in the final result, and that was certainly the case. Coffs Breakers took advantage of the breeze to head to the first break with a 4 goals to 2 lead, before Sawtell found momentum kicking with the wind in the second quarter to open up a 5 point lead at the main break.
The lead see-sawed throughout the second half of the match, and Breakers weren’t able to take full toll of the advantage presented to them in the third quarter. Breakers held a slender 4 point lead going into the final term but this proved to be too small a lead to defend.
The Saints know how to play Richardson Park when the wind blows, and the stronger it got, the more Sawtell used it to their advantage. A 5 goal to 2 final quarter saw the Saints come away with a 19 point victory to even the local derby ledger after two games played this season.
When the going got tough it was the Sawtell leaders that stood up to be counted. Luke Matthews has been quiet by his lofty standards the past couple of weeks but dominated in the midfield, racking up possession after possession. Jim Angel showed that his ribs are completely recovered by leading the forward line well to kick five goals, whilst Jack Gillingham played his best game of the season so far in his second spell in the area.
Breakers were best served by their young brigade of Luke Symons, Tyrone Jones, and Jacob Sincock. Fraser Duryea and Nick Stanlan-Velt each kicked three goals, with Liam Paige adding two.
Sawtell Toormina Saints 15.10.100 defeated Coffs Breakers 12.9.81
Port Macquarie Magpies have finally got their season started and are up and about after their big victory over the Grafton Tigers.
Other than last week’s loss to Byron, the Magpies have been steadily building all season and edging closer to a maiden victory. Everything finally came together for the Magpies, and they were able to rack up a big score.
Unsurprisingly, the Magpies chief goal scorer was Jesse Schmidt with 6 goals. He has struggled physically this season with an ongoing knee injury which is about to be repaired, meaning he’ll miss the next 5 weeks. This could mean a classic case of two steps forward, one step back for the Magpies who will feel the loss of Schmidt keenly.
Craig Dicker and Sam Johnson provided excellent support to Schmidt inside the forward 50m, adding 5 and 4 goals respectively.
The only downside for Port was their inaccuracy in front of goal. They addressed the issue of not hitting enough targets to create quality scoring opportunities, but their finishing was wayward with behinds outstripping goals kicked.
The Tigers season is at risk of falling apart after it showed such early promise. A strong midweek showing against Breakers, followed by the first win in two seasons over Port in the return clash, and the Tigers faithful dared to dream. Since that time they’ve suffered a series of damaging 100 plus point losses and next week’s task against the high flying Saints doesn’t get any easier. They need to get back to the welcoming confines of Ellem Oval next Saturday, put a strong team on the park, and restore some pride in their performance.
Josh McDonald was the only goal kicker for the Tigers whilst Luke Stanford continued to show his class.
Port Macquarie Magpies 20.24.144 defeated Grafton Tigers 1.3.9
Next week’s round sees Sawtell Toormina Saints travel to Ellem Oval to take on the Grafton Tigers, whilst Coffs Breakers play host to the resurgent Port Macquarie Magpies at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park. First bounce in both games is at 2:20pm.
