WELL it is only one round into local AFL and the two standout sides of the last decade North Coffs and Sawtell/Toormina are already shaping as the sides to beat in 2010.
Both recorded impressive victories last week to sit in the top two spots on the ladder.
These two heavyweights meet at Richardson Park on Saturday in what many believe will be the grand final preview.
This promises to be a great game of football.
The Roos looked to have improved their list, despite the loss of key playmaker of last year Sam Dawes, and were very impressive against Grafton last week.
The club is flying in high-profile recruit Dean Funston, brother of coach Darren, and he is expected to add plenty of bite around the forward line and gives the side a more aggressive look.
Former best and fairest winner Greg Jarman has returned to the club after a stint in rugby league and is a ferocious ball getter.
Joining him is another former star in Jason Mayer and all of a sudden the engine room has that old premiership look to it, with Brad Giri the other notable cog.
The Saints certainly do not lack class in the middle with Jai Hardy, Mark Couzens and Jack Gillingham in sensational form.
They also boast the best big men in the league with Courtney Tune and young Ethan Kelly dominant ruckmen.
Throw in Les Cohen and the speedy Simon Taylor and this is shaping as a fantastic contest.
The under-18s game starts at 11.15am, reserves at 1pm with the big one at 2.30pm.
Tigers to test Swans
Grafton got belted on the scoreboard last week, but will be better for the run and will take it right up to the Coffs Swans at Ellem Oval in what looks to be another tight contest.
The Tigers will miss Luke Hayman (elbow), but on the tight home ground will apply plenty of pressure on the Swans junior brigade.
Sam Turner and Darby Pearce are good in space but, there is not much of that at Grafton.
Rob Eddy will lead a tight Swans defence that should be able to hold the Tigers to a lower score.
Magpies too good at home
The Nambucca Valley Lions put up a brave effort against the Saints last week and should not be taken lightly.
Their skipper Ray McGrath was inspirational, but the numbers are against them and the Port Magpies have an enviable home record and look set to continue their unbeaten start to 2010 with a big win.
Jessie Schmidt will be hard to hold and Port have a great backline with Greg Dean in good early form.
Coffs Hotel good sport
My call to arms to assist with an umpire shortage received overwhelming support from the clubs, which is fantastic for the local game.
It turned out that none were required for the first round partly because of the elevation of a new umpire to the ranks in Kevin O’Keefe.
Kev did a couple of games and handled the step up to seniors with aplomb and is the winner of the Coffs Hotel good sport award for this week.
Marty and Donna would love to buy you a round to the value of $25.
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