Cross Conference Action Returns!

Round 4 of the AFL North Coast competition doubles as the first of the C.ex Group Cross Conference clashes, with North Coast teams set to take on their rivals from the Northern Rivers.

This innovative format was introduced last season, producing great clashes and generating much interest in local footy. Northern Rivers teams shaded the contest last season, winning 9 matches against the North Coast’s 7 and the local teams will be looking to restore pride in 2017. North Coast teams have a slight headstart this season having already played three tough rounds of competition footy, whereas the northern League only started on Saturday.

Paul Taylor, AFL North Coast Operations Co-ordinator, said that the round has been eagerly anticipated. “Last season saw the introduction of this format and the players, coaches, and club officials absolutely loved it. The quality of footy was fantastic, there was added intrigue in terms of new match-ups, and big crowds turned out to every venue making it a real spectacle. This season will be no different.

“These matches are for competition points so we know that the teams will go hard at it all day.”

Last start winners, Grafton Tigers will be hoping to put consecutive wins together, but face the toughest test of the round against the Byron Magpies. Byron went through the 2016 season undefeated, including winning all four rounds of Cross Conference matches, and will be the team to beat again this season. Grafton are building nicely and have more former Premiership players getting ready to make a return, so will be keen to test themselves against Byron. With the confidence gained from last week’s victory, the Tigers may just catch Byron before they’re match hardened and spring the surprise of the season.

League leaders Coffs Breakers travel north to take on the Ballina Bombers. This will be a classic clash of styles with Breakers liking to play a high tempo running and passing game up against the Bombers who are a tough, uncompromising outfit. Breakers proved that they’re capable of mixing it in the physical contest two weeks ago and will be looking to their young stars to provide the run and carry once the inside ball has been won. Ballina finished as runners-up in the Northern Rivers competition in 2016 so won’t be easy beats.

Sawtell Toormina Saints will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of their first loss of the season. They will be looking for the return of key players such as Mark Couzens to boost them ahead of a road trip to Lismore where they take on the Swans. Lismore were extremely competitive in the early part of last season based on the performances of several young doctors who were in town on rotation. When those players left town mid season the Swans performances and results dropped right away so Sawtell will be hoping that the doctors aren’t in the house on Saturday.

Port Macquarie Magpies have been buoyed by their last performance and will be confident of getting the win against the Tweed Coast Tigers on their home patch. The Tigers have to contend with a 10 hour round trip and will be desperate to leave Port with the four competition points, but the Magpies will be boosted by the return of star players Jesse Schmidt, Scott Dalton, and Kyle Lynch. Poor finishing in front of goal was the problem for Port in their last outing and if they can correct this problem they will be hard to beat.

Round 4 C.ex Group Cross Conference Fixtures

Grafton Tigers v Byron Magpies at Ellem Oval, Grafton (2:20pm)
Ballina Bombers v Coffs Breakers at Fripp Oval, Ballina (2:00pm)
Lismore Swans v Sawtell Toormina Saints at Mortimer Oval, Lismore (2:00pm)
Port Macquarie Magpies v Tweed Coast Tigers at Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie (2:20pm)