I guess we won’t have to wait long to find out as the Swans host Port Macquarie in the opening AFL?North Coast round at Fitzroy Oval on Saturday.

Kris Rundell is the new face at the helm of the red and whites. Recruited from Heathmere in Victoria, who coincidentally are the Magpies like Saturday’s opponents, Rundell was almost signed by North Coffs Kangaroos, but opted for a coaching position with the Swans.

That should make for an interesting game later in the season as I understand that Roos were far from impressed at losing him to their bitter rivals.

Steve Heatherington is assisting and was also snatched from the Roos pre-season.

The Swans have lost a couple of young stars in Daley Bear and Blake Ford, who will be sorely missed, but they still have some great teenagers and Darby Pearce and Ben Miller will be two to watch.

As usual, not much word from the Magpies, but the rumour is they have very good numbers and a couple of surprises in store for the Swans.

The Pies are coached by Scott Payne.

This is shaping as the match of the round and the result is usually close with these two.

Kangaroos to jump Tigers

The Roos travel to Ellem Oval on Saturday to take on a much-improved Grafton Tigers. The Roos always start well and are fit and ready to go.

New coach Darren ‘Freddy’ Funston has them in good shape and despite a couple of player losses, including league star Sam Dawes, they look the likely danger to Sawtell in 2010.

Saints ready to roll

Sawtell have had a solid build up to the new season and enjoyed a good pre-season victory over Black Diamond finalists Warners Bay a couple of weeks ago.

The Saints look fit and determined to enter the new decade where they left off with another flag.

Their opponents Nambucca Valley Lions had a lean year in 2009 and are not expected to be any match for the reigning premiers.

Coffs Hotel good sport

The Coffs Hotel has continued its generous sponsorship of North Coast umpiring and this column with the weekly $25 bar tab up for grabs to some deserving volunteer, player or supporter.

Drop me a line if you have any outstanding individuals you would like recognised during the year.