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A historic trifecta occurred when the Lismore Swans hosted the reformed Casino Lions at Oakes Oval on Saturday April 24.
Not only were the two clubs each playing their first match in the AFL North Coast league, it was also their inaugural ANZAC DAY Shield match – and the home side won by a leviathan 275 points. ANZAC DAY SHIELD: The Casino Lions created the idea of annual Anzac Day match against Lismore Swans. The Swans won the inaugural game by 275 points. Photo: Alison Paterson
In an incredible debut for Swan’s coach Ashley Pritchard, his players took the Lions to the cleaners and then some when they kicked 45 goals to win 45.19 (289) to 2.2 (14).
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When the Lismore Swans and the Casino Lions match up for the Anzac Day round on Saturday, they will be playing for much more than a simple win, loss or draw.
The first derby of the AFL North Coast which kicks off at Oakes Oval. Lismore, will see the teams vie for the prestigious Anzac Day plaque and a highly coveted Best on Ground medal.
But before the game the players, officials and fans will show their respect at the Anzac Day service held at the ground before the first bounce.
Ahead of the historic match and fresh off the AFL North Coast Festival of Footy, both coaches said they felt their teams would run out onto the ground and play a great game.
For the first time in the club’s history, the Grafton Tigers will look to field their first stand-alone women’s senior team for the 2021 AFL North Coast season