This weekend’s round 10 of the AFL Mackay local competition sees the Match of the Round this Saturday as the clash between the North Mackay Saints sitting fourth on the ladder with 3 wins, at home to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles who are sitting fifth on the premiership ladder, and are on two wins for the season.
This game is to be played at Zeolla Park which is looking in better condition every week and with this dry weather to help things out, the game should be a cracker, as on paper the two sides are evenly matched.
North Mackay Saints player Sam Bilal, who is currently injured but has attended training this week, said that Coach Dennis Nicholson is not taking this game lightly as a win may just put them ahead of the Bulldogs on the ladder although they ( the Dogs should beat the Tigers ) however a win at this stage of the competition could prove handy down the track.
The Saints believe they possess a big home ground advantage, and with a few on ballers getting plenty of the Sherrin driving the ball through the centre corridor has served them well this season.
Sam went on to say that there is a great buzz and atmosphere around the club at the moment, and the coach wants to capitalize on this attitude to the maximum.
The return of midfielder Scott Sutton is a welcome addition to the side and can only help with the midfield drive so important to the saints game plan.
Up at the Whitsundays Sea Eagles Coach Troy Weller said that while it is common knowledge that the Sea Eagles side are rebuilding after the loss of half their playing list from last year, they are treating this game very seriously, as could a win could help set them up for a finals berth, and while they ( Saints ) are very hard at home, and with both teams well matched by way of wins this season, Troy believes that if his side can negate their drive from the centre and shut down their ball movers, his side are a fair chance of getting a win and a win away from home is a great confidence builder.
Troy did say that this will be his team’s third away game on the trot, and while this plays a bit of havoc with continuity and a set pattern, Zeolla Park hold no Demons for his side, who are happy to play the open spaces on offer.
He is also conscious of getting back on the winning ledger after suffering a loss to the much fancied and improved Swans outfit in their last game.
Other games on this weekend are between Bakers Creek at home at Etwell Park to the rampaging Moranbah Bulldogs starting at 2.00pm, and Mackay City host the Northern Beaches Magpies at Harrup Park.
This is the half way mark of the season so if you haven`t been to the footy yet, get along to a local venue and you too can watch the Big Men Fly !
Last Modified on 21/06/2013 15:06