Round 15 of the competition saw the Nambucca Valley Lions travel to Coffs Harbour to take on the Coffs Swans.
In a do-or-die encounter that would decide fourth position, the winners would play finals football.
Coming off last weeks victory over the Grafton Tigers, the Lions, whilst happy with the result, conceded there was still room for improvement if they were to defeat the Swans for the first time this season.
With Mick Townsend out with a minor calf strain, the rucking duties fell onto the broad shoulders of Aaron Clarke – otherwise the Lions had a full list available for the game.
It was the Swans who had the better first-quarter, scoring three goals on the board before the Lions found their feet – getting themselves on the scoreboard into the first-break five points down.
Both teams found their rhythm in the second term, with end-to-end football and goals traded, with neither team having a finite advantage.
The half-time break had the Lions trailing by four points.
The Lions regrouped at the long break, coming out in the third-quarter ready to play. They did, with an intensity reminiscent of finals footy, realising their season was on the line.
Nambucca lead at three-quarter time by nine points. The final-quarter saw the Lions have a sniff of victory and the boys never let the lead go out, scoring five goals to two, to run away with the win.
Nambucca 13.17 95, defeated the Swans 9.6 60. Monty Schmidt and Trent Baade proved to be the difference for the Lions, winning possessions and giving the go forward from the centre, generally playing like men possessed.
Aaron Clarke dominated the ruck, and along with Ray McGrath, were the leading goal scorers for the Lions, with three each.
The forwards for Nambucca all played well, managing to make it difficult for the Swans to move the ball from their backline, enabling the Lions to play on their own terms.
Jack Chaffey, Jimmy Angel, Luke Benson and Daniel Linares were steadfast in defense, proving to be thorns in the Swans side, working well together to limit their scoring opportunities.
The Boatfield brothers, floating between the centre and the half-back line, played solid footy, as did Brad Wilkes, taking some strong marks and helping himself to a goal.
Jed Ellis-Cluff and Andrew Saker both had good games, time and again, taking contested marks and sending the Lions back on the offensive.
Up-forward Troy Stacey and Eric Linares led out all day and assisted in several goals, through some unselfish play.
Lenny Benson and Mark Morris stood up and were counted, and will only improve with more games under their belts.
Heath Addison, coming off the bench, had a sudden impact on the Swans, with Nigel Hastings gaining two shots at goal, in as many minutes, after also coming from the interchange.
It was a fantastic effort by all players and thanks to all the people who travelled to Coffs Harbour for their continued support this season.
A big positive for Nambucca coming from this game was the fact that there were nine different goal scorers, proving that we have more than just a two pronged attack.
Next weekend the Lions play Port Macquarie, in what will be Nambucca Valley’s first senior finals appearance in five years.
The game will be played at the Coffs Harbour International Sports Stadium, in what is sure to be a great hard-fought finals encounter, with the Lions having a definite underdogs tag.
Thanks to our major sponsors for their continual support throughout the mid-north coast season.
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