THE Byron Bay Magpies have shown why they are the premiership favourites this season with a 17.15 (117) to 5.8 (38) victory against the Coffs Harbour Breakers in their top of the ladder showdown at Fitzroy Oval.

It was the Magpies eighth win from nine games to start the AFL North Coast season as they maintain top spot on the ladder, with the Breakers sitting in second spot.

The Grafton Tigers gave their finals chances a big boost with a 13.9 (87) to 10.7 (67) win at home against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints.

Port Macquarie Magpies had a big win with a 30.23 (203) to 0.2 (2) victory at home against the Northern Beaches Blues.

The Port Macquarie Magpies women went to the top of the ladder with a 4.7 (31) to 1.2 (8) win against the Northern Beaches Blues.

The Sawtell/Toormina Saints women won their third straight game with a 14.11 (95) to 1.0 (6) victory against the Grafton Tigers.

The Coffs Harbour Breakers women also had a win in Round 9, beating the Byron Bay Magpies 5.12 (42) to 2.5 (17).

The Nambucca Valley Lions reserves continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 60-point win against the Coffs Harbour Breakers.

Sawtell/Toormina Saints had a 8.8 (56) to 3.3 (21) win against the Coffs Harbour Breakers in their Under 18s match at Fitzroy Oval.

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 10 matches.

The Northern Beaches Blues host the Coffs Harbour Breakers at the Wiigulga Sports Complex, while the Sawtell/Toormina Saints are at home to the Port Macquarie Magpies.

The Byron Bay Magpies host the Grafton Tigers in the match of the round between two top four teams.

By Aiden BURGESS