The AFL North Coast have played their first week of finals, getting them in just in time before the 5pm lockdown on Saturday afternoon at the Ce.x Coffs International Stadium.

Reserve grade minor premiers Coffs Harbour Breakers progressed to this year’s grand final with a 8.9 (57) to 4.3 (27) victory against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints.

The Saints will now play the Grafton Tigers in the preliminary final after the Tigers won by 10 points in their elimination final against the Northern Beaches Blues.

The Grafton Tigers Under 17s side progressed to this season’s grand final with a 10.9 (69) to 6.5 (41) victory against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints.

The Saints will now play the Coffs Harbour Breakers in a preliminary final with a spot in this year’s grand final up for grabs.

AFL North Coast’s Community Football & Competition Manager Paul Taylor stressed that last Saturday’s lockdown would not result in the cancellation of the season.

“Today’s announcement of a 7-day, state-wide stay-at-home order has posed new challenges for the AFL North Coast junior and senior competitions,” he said.

“Tomorrow’s Junior Grand Finals are postponed, the league will work with the clubs and Council during the week to look at alternatives to try and stage the Grand Finals so that the competition can reach a natural conclusion.

“Similarly, next Saturday’s senior competition semi-finals will also be postponed and we will work with clubs to identify options to complete the season once the stay-at-home orders are lifted.

“This is definitely a postponement, not a cancellation of our season.”

 

By Aiden BURGESS