The Grafton Tigers have continued through round 3 of the North Coast AFL undefeated after a hard fought clash with the Coffs Harbour Swans on Saturday afternoon.
After a first quarter blitz from Grafton, the Swans were able to fight back and make it a hard day at the office for the reigning premiers.
From the first bounce, the Tigers attacked and had their first goal on the board in 25 seconds through Captain Dan Zacek, it appeared big scores were going to be on the cards as Zacek and full forward Lee Anderson combined superbly to put on 7 goals for the Tigers in the opening term, 4 goals to Zacek and 3 to Anderson, and with the Swans scoring 3 goals through Darby Pearce, Daniel Dickson & Ashley Emery, the Tigers led the Swans at the first change 44 to 20.
With the Tigers Lee Anderson out for the match due to injury quarter time, the Tigers lost some of their attacking strength, combined with the Swans adapting their play on the Grafton forwards, the game became a battle of the backlines, with repeated deflections at both ends, Kelly Thompson and Time Whalan were tireless for the Tigers, limiting the Swans to only 2 behinds for the term,
The Swans matched it in defence allowing Grafton just a lone goal to Rod Newman, and extending their lead to 33 at half time.
The second half was played out with the swans displaying renewed vigour, and earning themselves plenty of possessions in the middle, the backlines of both sides working overtime as the ball constantly went from end to end
Grafton were able to score 3 goals for the third quarter but with the Swans able to capitalise on the back of some dubious decisions from the umpires, managed 2 goals of their own.
The Tigers still extended their lead with scores at 3 quarter time 74 to 38.
Although unlikely to bridge the gap to the Tigers, the Swans still came hard at Grafton, some big hits on the ball caused tempers to flare in the closing stages, the Tigers worked hard for their 3 goals of the quarter and restricting the Swans to just 2, allowing them a hard fought win by 42.
Final Scores:
Grafton Tigers 14.11 95
Coffs Swans 7.11 53
Goal Kickers
Grafton: D. Zacek 4, L. Anderson 3, C. Boehme 2, S. Onus 2, R. Newman , S. Purton , S. Morrison
Coffs Swans: D. Dickson 3, A. Emery , D. Pearce , C. O''Shannessy , S. Turner
The Win allows Grafton some confidence before their grand final rematch with the Port Macquarie Magpies in 2 weeks’ time at Ellem oval.
Next week the Tigers have the bye.
Last Modified on 01/07/2012 15:39