IN season’s gone this Saturday’s contest at Fitzroy Oval against the Nambucca Valley Lions would have been a formality for the Coffs Swans, but how that has changed in 2010.
The Swans sit alone without a win at the bottom of the ladder after four rounds, while the resurgent Lions are coming off a 100-point plus victory against Grafton and only percentage away from third spot in what looks increasingly like being only their second finals campaign since joining the competition in 2005.
The Lions have a core of last season’s premiership under-18s side, including the Boatfield brothers, James and Aaron, while another Aaron (Clarke, that is) has come of age as a ruckman and key forward.
Coach Ray McGrath is fit and in great touch, while rugby convert Mick Townsend is starting to grab his overhead marks and even finding some accuracy in front of goals.
Friend and ex-coach Jim Angel was suggesting that Mick close his eyes when he kicked for goals last week, and it seemed to work.
Jed Ellis-Cluff is a talented and dangerous forward who is playing like a man with two names should and Jim Angel is dominating down back.
On the other hand, the Swans are struggling, although their performance against North Coffs last weekend was certainly a step in the right direction.
They look to lack fitness and cohesion so far this year and sorely miss the calming influence of Rob Eddy at centre-half-back.
Pete Robinson is a star in defence and Ben Miller is competitive in the ruck, but their attack has just not been able to kick winning scores.
They need more from Evan and Fraser Duryea in the goals department and to support Dave Box and Asher Landini who are battling the odds.
While the Lions will start deserved favourites, this one is not done just yet and I expect the Swans to take this right up to Nambucca in a tight and entertaining contest.
Pies host Kangaroos seeking redemption
The North Coffs Kangaroos travel to Port Macquarie on Saturday and on form should enjoy a comfortable victory.
Port has an impressive list of players, but also a long injury list with some key names, including Dean Nankevill, missing.
Any side that boasts Peter Harvey, Jessie Schmidt and Greg Dean will be competitive, but the bottom five are really dead set reserves players and that is where the Roos will have the edge, with some good young talent including Ben Sykes and Ryan Turner.
Brendan Norton returns from state duty hoping to capitalise on that dynamic, but not so young midfield of Jason Maher and Greg Jarman. Brad Giri and Dean Funston are unavailable.
While Port will be trying to restore some pride after last week’s thrashing at Sawtell, the Kangaroos should win this well and consolidate second place on the ladder.
Saints to keep record against wounded Tigers
What started as a promising year for the Grafton Tigers has deteriorated as a result of a horrific injury tally and the last thing they need right now is the undefeated Sawtell/Toormina coming to town to belt them again.
They do play better at home, but with the casualty list growing each week the Saints have all the guns blazing and will record another percentage booster.
Coffs Hotel good sport
The culture around local clubs has improved dramatically over recent years, reflected in the quality of club administrators.
North Coffs is certainly a club that has improved its discipline on and off the field and a lot of credit for that must go to club president Jamie Coad.
Jamie also assists with AFL board duties and like all club administrators can be seen doing a myriad of jobs each Saturday that could include playing when the need arises.
That sort of contribution is what the Coffs Hotel award is all about, so please call in to the best pub in town for a beer on local AFL sponsors and supporters Marty and Donna Phillips to the value of $25.
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