Every year the TAFL puts a representative side together to take on a coastal side but  last year the locals went down by just ten points in Armidale, although the last time Bishop had the clipboard a few years ago the TAFL side was on the wrong side of a cricket score a few times.

“Based on recent history and the team we have on paper, we are in with a shot this year,” Bishop said.

“We have a great mix of youth and experience.”

Three-time back-to-back TAFL premiers New England Nomads are heavily represented in the squad, especially up front, with eleven players in the squad.

Originally the forward line and ruckmen were all Nomads players, although an injury to James Treweeke has seen Gunnedah’s Andrew George move into the ruck and Moree’s Zach Collier come onto the bench.

Nomads goalscorers Dave Richards, Zac Economou and Jed Ellis-Cluff will lead the team from the front, with Economou given the captaincy.

“Richards is a prolific goal sneak and there is plenty of attack in the forward line,” Bishop said.

“The midfield is good enought to get them plenty of ball and the backline will run all day.” 

Bishop knows what to expect from the coastal side – a fast game with plenty of young players and matching attacking qualities on a smaller field than most in our region.

“We will need to have pressure on the ball in all four quarters to stop them getting on the outside and running.

“We have got the legs and the artillery,” he said.

“Our height and fitness is a strength and hopefully we can convert that into points.” 

“I am fairly confident we can do well.” 

The game will be played at the Coffs Harbour International Stadium at 2pm today, with a girls’ match kicking off a huge day of action at 11am.

Bishop and runner Zeb Taylor have also been called up into their own playing squad and will take part in the over 35 Masters game before the main event.

There will be no local TAFL this weekend because of the representative round.

TAFL side to play North Coast in Coffs Harbour.

Backs: Stephen Fairless (Swans), Andy Mack (Gunnedah), Patrick Higgins (Gunnedah)

Half Backs: Clarence Barker (Nomads), Thomas Hunt (Nomads), Daniel Leon (Kangaroos)

Centre: Foley (Nomads), Andrew George (Gunnedah), Luke Raymond (Nomads)

Half Forwards: Ben Maddern (Narrabri), James Dunstan (Swans), Jed Ellis-Cluff (Nomads)

Forwards: Dave Richards (Nomads), Zac Economou captain (Nomads), Cameron Graham (Nomads)

Rucks: Al Hillard (Gunnedah), Hamish Pearce (Nomads), Harrison Fruend (Nomads)

Interchange: Carl Frazier (Roos), Kemp (Moree Suns), Max Bienke (Moree Suns), Zach Collier (Moree Suns)

Emergencies: Velani Chakalisa (Nomads)

Coach: Tony Bishop (Roos), Assistant Coach: John Woolastan (Gunnedah Bulldogs). Runner: Zeb Taylor (Roos).