THE BYRON Bay Magpies have continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 17.7 (109) to 6.9 (45) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Richardson Park, during the latest round of the AFL North Coast season.

The win was the Magpies eighth in a row to start the season and sees them sit two wins clear at the top of the ladder.

The Port Macquarie Magpies kept their hopes of a top 2 spot and double chance in the finals alive, with a 9.5 (59) to 7.2 (44) win at home against the Coffs Harbour Breakers.

The Grafton Tigers strengthened their hold on a top 4 spot with a 22.12 (144) to 2.4 (16) demolition of the Northern Beaches Blues at Woolgoolga.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints women consolidated third spot on the ladder with a dominant 10.19 (79) to 0.0 (0) win against the Byron Bay Magpies.

The Nambucca Valley Lions reserves continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 17.12 (114) to 0.0 (0) win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints at Richardson Park.

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 9 matches.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers host the Byron Bay Magpies in a top of the ladder blockbuster at Fitzroy Oval.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints and Northern Beaches Blues both hit the road, with the Saints traveling to take on the Grafton Tigers, and the Blues playing the Port Macquarie Magpies.

By Aiden BURGESS