First up were Northern Beaches Blues, and the Mustangs got off to a slow start with the Blues holding a lead of 20 points at half time. From there the Mustangs fought hard with Vykan Hart leading the way with three goals. Ruben Avelin also landed a late goal to help ensure the scoreline remained respectable, the Mustangs going down 49-27.

The second game saw the Mustangs take on the Grafton Tigers who got off to a brisk start landing two early goals. Rohnan Lamb then lead a spirited effort with both he and Quinn Carmichael landing difficult goals, narrowing the deficit at half time. A goal to Linkin Mawson early in the fourth quarter along with big defensive efforts from Callum Taylor and Adam Drewitt ensured a tight tussle but in the end the Tigers prevailed 52-39.

Under 11s

THE Mustangs 11s travelled to Nambucca Heads for their first crossover round, where they also met the Northern Beaches Blues.

After a fast start by the Blues, the Mustangs needed to lift their work rate and Brenton Mance was a driving force at forward, with strong marking and goal kicking. Zac Thomson In his first game of AFL used some of his rugby league skills, tackling hard. But the Blues were too strong with a dominant 70-14 victory.

The Mustangs regrouped for their second match against Sawtell, and got off to a blistering start with quick early goals to Tadgh Brislane and Carter Doesell. Issac Luke controlled the game well from the centre, backed up by Riley Hill in the ruck. Doesell, Meiha Griffis and Jacob Brown-Stokes all ran well helping position Arabella Roohan and Ruby Luke up front.

Relentless defence ensured Sawtell remained goalless, with the Mustangs recording an emphatic 61-1 victory. Tagdh Brislane kicked four goals, with Doesell, Griffis, Mance, and Roohan contributing two apiece. The Luke siblings also chimed in with a goal each, in an all-round team effort.