Lismore Swans men and women defeat Grafton Tigers

When the Swans travelled to Grafton to play the 2020 premiers, everyone knew a tough game was ahead. But it left one player with a serious injury and the others tired and bruised.

SWANS CRUSH TIGERS: The Lismore Swans senior men's team played the Tigers in Grafton and soundly defeated the 2020 AFL North Coast premiers in a tough game on May 8, 2021. Photo courtesy: Adrian Etherson

From the first siren the Lismore Swans senior men’s team knew they were in for an incredibly tough game against home side Grafton Tigers.

Swans senior mens coach Ash Prichard said taking on the reigning AFL North Coast premiers was always going to be “a massive challenge” and he said he’s proud they achieved a convincing win 18.9.117 to 7.10.52

But he said his faith in the players was rewarded when the Swans flew home with a win 117 to 52.

“We were under a lot of pressure from the first bounce,” Prichard said.

“The Tigers played a very tough and physical game and we were under pressure from the first moments of the first quarter.”

Prichard said his players rallied to overcome the relentless onslaught by the home side.

“Our players kicked three goals in a row and we were able to steady and get out composure back,” he said.

“The second quarter was an arm wrestle back and forth, back and forth, but the third quarter presented as the real physical and mental challenge.”

Swans captain Eoghan McNutt said the team played an exceptional game against tireless opponenets.

“The boys kept going despite the pressure,” he said.

“I know we were all pretty tired and bruised afterwards.”

Prichard said he was proud the players managed overcome their exhaustion to in the final quarter and pull ahead by kicking six goals.

“We were physically and mentally knackered,” he said.

“The team played amazingly, they stood up to a really tough challenge by Grafton and I could not have been more proud.”

Prichard paid tribute to Grafton too, whom he said “never let up”.

“We had one serious injury, Tom Butcher shattered his knee cap so it’s likely he will be out for the season, a shame as he is a talented young player,” he said.

“We have high hopes for him, so we will see how his recovery goes.”

Now Prichard is looking ahead to playing Coffs Harbour at Oakes oval this weekend.

“I have tremendous faith in my team and I know they are up for the challenge,” he said.

“The players should be proud of themselves.”

Wonder Women

Earlier, the Swans women overcame a determined effort from a younger and less experienced Tigers team to win 11.13.79 to 3.3.21.

SWANS WOMEN SOAR: The Lismore Swans women's played a challenging match against the grafton Tigers to emerge victorious on MAY 8, 2021 . Photo: Adrian Etherson

Swans women’s coach Ken McPherson said his team maintained their mental toughness to take the game back after they control part way through the first quarter.

“Our players dominated the first five minutes then our game plan fell apart,” he said.

“But the team managed to get back their game structure.”

McPherson said club president Laura Cahill showed her finesses by kicking five goals.

“To Grafton’s credit they were a young side played very well,” he said.

“Next Saturday we face Coffs at Oakes Oval and we hope to have our squad back to full strength.”

“Training on Tuesday will be at full intensity.”

“I am confident and have faith our women’s team can come away a win.”

Meanwhile, in Casino, the ever game Lions went down to Port MacquariE.

In the AFLQ Division 2 Souths Seniors, Byron Bay 14.12-96 defeated Robina

5.6-36, while Coolangatta Tweed scored 14.11-95 to win conveincly over Ballina, 5.8-38.