North Coast and Tamworth finals wrap

A massive eight-goal final quarter has propelled Grafton to another AFL North Coast premiership, beating Sawtell by 48 points.

The hero was Lee Anderson, whose seven goals earned him the Woodlock Medal for best on ground.

Sawtell had a two-goal lead at quarter time and an eight-point lead at half time, but Anderson’s goal tally was starting to build.

The three quarter time margin was two points in Sawtell’s favour, but it didn’t take long for the floodgates to open as two quick goals set the foundation for a massive final quarter from Grafton. Before long, the margin had blown out.

Mark Heaney, regional manager for the Northern NSW region, was pleased for Grafton.

“Grafton have gone back to back. We’re thrilled with that because it reflects the growth of AFL in the area,” he said.

“It was good to see the support from the town as well, the mayor travelled down for the game.”

Heaney also noted it was good that Sawtell were able to bounce back after some lean years and make the Grand Final.

Also on Saturday, the New England Nomads claimed their first Tamworth AFL flag since 2004, beating Inverell Saints by 26 points.

There was just one point separating the teams at three quarter time, but a five-goal final term clinched victory for the Nomads, who had led at every change.

For most of the afternoon the Nomads struggled to break free of the Saints, who responded whenever their opponent built a lead. But when it came to the final term, the Nomads got on the board early and were able to run it out.

For the victors, Dave Richards was a livewire up front with four goals, with Weston Whitby kicking three and Shaun Cusack two. Dave Graan was the best on ground and received the Graham Nuttal Medal, but he got lots of support from Whitby and coach Tom Granleese who was outstanding at full back.

For the Saints, Mike Gould and Alex Walker both slotted three goals in a forward line that was beaten by the Nomads’ defence. Nick Baird was their best, with Joe and Sam Kimmince trying hard all day.

Heaney said it was a big result for the Nomads.

“The haven’t been in the Grand Final in a while, Inverell have been dominating,” he said.

“It’s a university town. It could help attract more players to the club and get more uni students involved.”

Final Scores:

Grafton Tigers 16.8 (104) def. Sawtell/Toormina Saints 7.14 (56)

New England Nomads 15.11 (101) def. Inverell Saints 11.9 (75)