AFL North Coast announces finals changes due to Covid restrictions

Some of the region’s biggest winter sporting competitions have announced changes as Covid restrictions tighten in neighbouring areas

Once again Coffs Coast sports administrators are having to be as nimble as the players on the field as they battle to complete their seasons amid a worsening Covid situation on the North Coast.

While the Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Grafton areas are currently free of Covid cases, lockdowns imposed on Armidale, Northern Rivers, Tamworth and the Hunter already have competitions scrambling.

With a newly expanded competition that encompasses local government areas from Port Macquarie to Lismore, North Coast AFL have made several changes to their finals schedule.

Competition manager Paul Taylor said the changes were “pretty straightforward” and the popularity of the expanded field this year has meant clubs were well and truly committed to doing whatever they could to see out the season.

Port Macquarie's Kye Taylor looks for an option downfield as they overcame Northern Beaches Blues last weekend to secure a spot in the semi finals. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing

He added that the positive approach the clubs and competition were taking meant it was easier to get “everyone on the same page”.

“People have loved the expanded competition and enjoyed the variety and they are really keen to see this season they have enjoyed so much reach a natural conclusion,” he said.

“(We will do) whatever we have to do to get this finished, making sure there is every chance to get through to a grand final and declare premiers within the public health order restrictions.”

Players from several teams have been impacted by the stay at home orders and the semi-final between Lismore Swans and Port Macquarie Magpies has been pushed back a week, as has the Women’s semi finals featuring Lismore v Port Macquarie and Coffs Breakers v Northern Beaches Blues.

Northern Beaches defender Alana Hanson. A number of the Northern Beaches Blues and Coffs Harbour Breakers players were caught up in the stay at home orders, forcing the rescheduling of their semi final. Photo: Green Shoots Marketing

The changes mean all senior men’s and women’s semis will be played on one blockbuster day on August 21 at C.ex Stadium. Provided there are no more restrictions introduced, Taylor is hoping the fans turn out for the event.

“Not to take anything away from this weekend, but a double header in men’s and a double header in the women's means it should be a bumper day, it’s a day that deserves a big crowd.”

Meanwhile, football has also been impacted with two Coastal Premier League matches postponed as Port Saints and Taree Wildcats players were caught up in the snap restrictions last weekend.

With a total of 17 players subjected to stay at home orders both sides’ matches against Coffs Harbour opposition will be rescheduled.

Similarly, the entire Maclean Bobcats Premier League and Reserve Grade sides were subject to stay at home orders following matches in the Northern Rivers.

In Rugby League there are no changes to any Group 2 finals fixtures after the Grafton Ghosts claimed the minor premiership last weekend but all games in the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition, which includes the Lower Clarence Magpies, have been suspended for at least one week.

Soon after claiming a minor semi-final victory over the Evans River Whalers, the Grafton Redmen were forced into a seven day stay at home order in the Far North Coast President’s Cup rugby union competition.

Matches have been put on hold after NSW Rugby Union issued a statement indicating no games would be taking place in any of the LGAs impacted by the lockdowns.