Tigers and Saints preparing for bigger things
![](https://aflnorthcoast.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/08/Sawtell-v-Northern-Beaches-Grafton.jpg)
Sawtell Toormina Saints travel to Ellem Oval to take on the Grafton Tigers knowing that results will have no bearing on either club’s standings. Both clubs will be looking forward, with Grafton looking a little further down the track than the Saints.
In both the Men’s and Women’s competition the Saints are locked into third, while this encounter will be the last of the season for both the Tigers’ Men and the Northern Beaches/Grafton Women.
The Tigers are already planning for 2020, with a Senior coaching announcement expected soon. There are positive things happening around the club and the town with pleasing signs that the Tigers can be more competitive next season.
Similarly, the Blue Tigers have had an outstanding season and performed beyond expectation. Women’s footy will continue to grow across the Northern Beaches and Clarence and this will be eagerly watched by all connected with the code locally.
Sawtell have next week off and will play the loser of the Semi in the Preliminary Final in a fortnight’s time. A win in both grades against the Tigers is the expected outcome and the Saints will be extremely keen to ensure this happens so that they go into the Finals Series with winning form behind them. Once Finals arrive the Sawtell Men and Women will have one chance to claim Premiership glory, with a loss signalling the end of their run, so this Saturday’s matches take on added significance in terms of tuning up.
The Under 17 match represents Sawtell’s chance to wrap-up the Minor Premiership. Having been front runners nearly all season the Saints will be expected to claim this honour with the Tigers youngsters struggling for consistency. The Breakers are breathing down the Saints’ necks so there’s unlikely to be any complacency within the Sawtell camp.
Round 15 fixtures – Saturday 17 August
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)
Grafton Tigers / Northern Beaches Blues v Sawtell Toormina Saints at Ellem Oval, Grafton (Under 17 at 10:00am, Women at 11:50am, Reserves at 1:20pm, Seniors at 2:50pm)