Tide Going Out for Breakers
Convincingly beaten by Sawtell/Toormina last week, the Breakers now find themselves battling to stay in touch with the top two. Their clash today at Port Macquarie has suddenly become a must win game. Let's face it, the team finishing third will still have an easy road into the preliminary final with the Grafton Tigers being so well off the pace. However, it is a much easier road to a grand final through the second semi than it is to win the three games required from third spot. Coach Nic Von Schill knows this all too well and is acutely aware that should the Breakers go down today they would fall two clear games behind Sawtell in second spot. Port is always tough at home and with wet conditions forecast this could turn into a good old-fashioned slog. That could suit the bigger bodied Breakers midfield. Old stagers Tristan Snow and Darren Funston will particularly appreciate softer ground.
Rep Coach Appointed
AFL North Coast has appointed Martin Garoni as coach of the 2016 representative side. Garoni has a distinguished coaching resume in both AFL and cricket, having previously coached extensively in Victoria. He now resides in Port Macquarie as a result of his current employment with Cricket NSW. He will be working with clubs over the next few weeks and announce a training squad ahead of the fixture against TAFL coming up at C.ex Stadium in July. I hear the coach elect was at Richardson Park last weekend and was impressed with a number of the Sawtell prospects.
The Saints are Back
The Sawtell Saints are back in town and their premiership odds have been slashed following two impressive wins over the Breakers and Port Macquarie. The Saints have been slow finding their mojo in 2016 but with some key inclusions and some match fitness into key players such as Leif Stuart and Mark Couzens the reigning premiers are looking as hungry as ever. The poor old Grafton Tigers will be able to attest to that after they get belted today at Richardson Park.
Masters Challenge on Long Weekend
Following the fantastic turnout for the last game, local AFL Masters president Dan Perry is hoping to field a competitive outfit to take on the visiting Hunter Valley representative side on June 11th. Mark your diary for a fun day of low impact but high enjoyment footy at Fitzroy Oval.
Last Modified on 01/06/2016 15:17