15
If you kick 15 goals in a game as a team in a game, it’s a reasonable day at the office. To get 15 goals out of your two key forwards is incredible. Josh Baxter and Bryce Retzlaff went to work for Labrador on Saturday. Baxter bagged eight majors, and Retzlaff was snapping at his heels with seven. You’d expect one of these blokes to have a big day in a big win, but to have both on song so early in the season is a scary proposition for QAFL defensive units this year.
Tigers throw themselves into calculations
It’s round 1, so we need to keep our powder dry a little bit, but Noosa have signaled their intentions in the best way possible already; by knocking off the reigning premier Mayne. Jai Fitzpatrick was super, and Westell snagged four as Noosa ruffled a few QFA North feathers, and showed they aren’t content with their third place finish last year.
Double-header
This Saturday at Yeronga there will be a NEAFL double header involving three AFL Clubs. The Lions and SUNS will open up the day of QClash activities at 11am, before Redland and Sydney play their top of the table clash at 1pm. If that wasn’t enough, Yeronga and Robina will play their QFA South game at 4:00pm.
Ballendid
Last years Under 16 NAB AFL Championships MVP, Connor Ballenden, has proven that he isn’t phased by stepping up an age group, putting in a big performance first up for the Queensland Under 18 Academy team. He kicked two important goals, plus won a stack of the footy in Queensland’s game against Victoria Country on Sunday. As a bottom age player, the big key forward is going to be a huge asset to the maroon jumper over the next two years.
Caloundra honour a mate
Before the start of their first reserve game of 2016, Caloundra recognised the life of Community Club Umpire Shane ‘the Kuz’ Kuzniak, who passed away over summer. He had umpired across the coast for near on a decade, loving how involved he could be in the game. Rest in peace, Shane.
Junior footy is back
There will be a lot of kids jumping for joy, and running around like it’s Christmas Eve this week, because junior footy in South East Queensland is back. The Brisbane Juniors, Gold Coast Juniors, and Sunshine Coast Juniors all get the 2016 season underway in just five days time. I think weekend sleep-ins have been thrown out the window… sorry parents.
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
