AFL HUNTER CENTRAL COAST ROUND 6 PREVIEWS
by Alex Tigani
AFL BLACK DIAMOND MENS CUP
Singleton vs. Nelson Bay (2pm)
“I’m Back”. The famous two-word press release captivated a worldwide audience on March 18, 1993 when Michael Jordan made his memorable return to basketball. Now, 30 years later, the same can be said for Singleton Roosters’ modern day great Andrew Scott who returns to his side following a hand injury. He has averaged three goals in his last two games against Nelson Bay and was named as the AFL Hunter Central Coast team of the year captain in 2022. The Roosters will also welcome back fellow premiership star Andrew Macpherson and second year Rooster Angus Dunn. Ultimately, the Roosters are in the box seat to claim back-to-back wins for the first time in 658 days.
It has been many years since the Marlins have won a match at Rose Point Park. Though they will enter as the underdog they showed plenty of upside in their first half against Killarney Vale. Talented tall Kai Often will be sure to make an impact behind the ball against the Roosters’ inexperienced half forward line.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Conrad Smith (Singleton Roosters). A stalwart for two decades, he will line-up for his 100th game.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 14, 2021. Singleton 22.15 (147) to Nelson Bay 5.3 (33) at Rose Point Park.
FINAL PREDICTION: Singleton by 20 points.
The Entrance Bateau Bay vs. Warners Bay (2pm)
Both sides are in the finals race and a win for the Bulldogs will see Nathan Harkness’ line-up climb into the top five after a dismal 0-3 start to the season. A three-goal haul from Archer Harkness once again proved the side had multiple avenues to goal while Brady Sweetnam was named as his side’s best. Entering the clash as favourites, the Bulldogs will welcome Kyle Ross-Evans and Tom Riley to senior football. Club great Matthew Spinks also returns for the first time since Anzac Day. Can he celebrate his first win for season 2023?
A win for Nelson Bay against Singleton will see the Blues slide down to the bottom of the table if they are unable to hold off the Bulldogs. Expect a big first half from forwards Adam Lyons and Jason Wileman while the return of vice-captain Tristan Carter will also help strengthen their backline.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Kesby (The Entrance Bateau Bay). Proved to be a shining light in patches against Singleton.
FINAL PREDICTION: Warners Bay by 27 points.
Killarney Vale vs. Terrigal Avoca (2:30pm on Bar TV)
The hardest game to pick given it is the contest we have been waiting for since September. The Bombers have 14 members from last year’s grand final side named in the line-up including key forward Brandon Lloyd, speedster Luke Flack, veteran Brad Edwards and reliable defender Nathan Smith. This Saturday, they will be without ball winners Lachlan Waters and Rick White along with Alex Bailey and Tom Sawyer.
Meanwhile the Panthers only have 13 members from last year’s grand final side named with Scott Burkinshaw and Harrison Pitt missing from each end. Injuries have been a hurdle but the return of Sam Ellis allows Mitchell Price to stand strong as a key forward. Not too worried about the result at this time of the season, their next match up in Round 16 will be the main talking point.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Adam Miller (Terrigal Avoca). Our first look at the Panther in season 2023.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Grand final, 2022. Killarney Vale 11.5 (71) to Terrigal Avoca 10.12 (72) defeated Terrigal Avoca 8.10 (58).
FINAL PREDICTION: Terrigal Avoca by 10.
Newcastle City vs. Cardiff (5pm)
When asking Cardiff coach Danny Priest who would have the job on Anthony Baker he fired back with a team first mentality. “Who will they play on Graetz?” “Who will they play on Hopper?” “Who will they play on Delaney?”. When you reflect on their last three wins against Warners Bay, Singleton and Terrigal Avoca there’s no reason in doubting that the Hawks could be the side to end Newcastle City’s unbeaten start to the season. The Hawks recorded an inside 50 differential of 53-37 in their impressive win over the Panthers on Saturday and should do enough to get the win under lights this weekend.
Newcastle City have ticked all the boxes after their semi-final exit last year. Multiple avenues to goal, a powerful midfield and most importantly lots of filtering talent from their undefeated Plate side. Down back the absence of Daniel Steele will be a hurdle however a full grandstand on Old Boys’ Day may be enough to inspire the side to a 5-0 start.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Jack Pratt (Cardiff). Has played an important role for his side in the marque games.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Semi Final, 2022. Cardiff 9.8 (62) defeated Newcastle City 4.4 (28) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cardiff by 2.
AFL BLACK DIAMOND WOMENS CUP
Singleton vs. Lake Macquarie (12pm)
When a Singleton side is missing tall options Kaylah Jeffries-Tapper, Kustiani Tuckerman, Paris Brumby and Tayla Maloney there’s a lot of pressure left on ruck Sarah Mousley. However the return of first year recruits Tori Cochrane, Kira-Lee Tyrrell and debut of Niamh Ansboro will lift the home crowd’s spirits. Keep your eye on the Roosterettes midfield as teenager Molly Thomas continues her stellar start to senior footy.
The Dockers were restricted to one goal the last time these sides met however there is plenty of upside to their game. Bella Brandon and Chelsea Fleming have been very impressive on the training track while a number of inclusions will help rejuvenate the side.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Niamh Ansboro (Singleton). A long kick of the footy, she has been selected for her first game.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Round 2, 2023. Lake Macquarie 1.1 (7) defeated Singleton 11.16 (82) at Tulkaba Park.
FINAL PREDICTION: Singleton by 50 points.
Killarney Vale vs. Terrigal Avoca (12:30pm)
The Killarney Vale Bombers appeared to have met their match in the opening quarter of their clash with Singleton before Mia Wilson and Holly Gibbons kicked away to an impressive win. The Panthers also slid to fourth on the table due to their narrow defeat to Cardiff. Both sides will be out to make a statement this Saturday.
The Panthers will spread their stars across the field with Madison Dowling and Catrin Donnelly set for the rebound while co-captain Kirstie Hutton will hope to replicate her Round 4 performance with five goals up forward. The Bombers welcome back Eliza Johnson on the other end while Ashleigh Paige and Bethany Wood tend to perform well against the archrival. This truly is the game of the round.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Taya White (Killarney Vale). Returns to the side for the first time since Round 3.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Semi final, 2022. Killarney Vale 6.13 (49) defeated Terrigal Avoca 3.4 (22) at Adelaide Street Oval.
FINAL PREDICTION: Killarney Vale by 30.
Newcastle City vs. Cardiff (3pm)
Here we have two sides that have impressed the BarTV audience in recent weeks when playing against the bottom two line-ups. But how will they go on the grand stage?
Newcastle City will enter this clash with an experienced midfield which will provide plenty of opportunities for Samantha Thompson, Sarah Halvorsen and Emma Hollis up forward. Though they had a bye in the last round, we saw this side record a score shot differential of 37 to 1 in their last game.
A majority of the Cardiff women have not played senior footy on the No.1 Sportsground before. This will be a celebrated milestone regardless of the result. As far as form goes, the Hawkettes are confident of claiming a fourth straight win.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Eleanor Barnett (Cardiff). Has proven to be a club favourite down back.
LAST TIME THEY MET: Semi final, 2022. Newcastle City 5.6 (36) defeated Cardiff 3.1 (19) at Pasterfield Sports Complex.
FINAL PREDICTION: Newcastle City by 36.
Remaining clashes:
Mens Plate
10:30am – Killarney Vale vs. Terrigal Avoca at Adelaide Street Oval
1pm – Newcastle City vs. Cardiff at No.1 Sportsground
Womens Plate
8:50am –Killarney Vale vs. Terrigal Avoca at Adelaide Street Oval
9:20am – Newcastle City vs. Cardiff at No.1 Sportsground
10:20am –The Entrance Bateau Bay vs. Port Stephens at Bateau Bay Oval
12:20pm – Gosford vs. Muswellbrook at Adcock Park
Mens Shield
11am – Newcastle City vs. Muswellbrook at No.1 Sportsground
12pm –The Entrance Bateau Bay vs. Maitland at Bateau Bay Oval
2pm – Gosford vs. Lake Macquarie at Adcock Park
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Tigani is the deputy editor of The Hunter River Times newspaper who enters his third season on the AFL Hunter Central Coast BarTV commentary team. Prior to his stint in the Hunter Valley he was the editor of the Geelong and District Football League record, presenter on the GDFL Footy Show (Channel 31 Melbourne and Geelong) and a freelance writer for the Geelong Advertiser.
(Photo supplied by Bruzer Photography)
