By Chris ‘Yeendy’ Yeend
Redland-Victoria Point launched into its 2021 campaign filled with optimism and confidence as the club elected to join the QAFL after the NEAFL had disbanded at the end of 2020. Redlands merged with Victoria Point to enter the QAFL for season 2021 with a host of talent in its list having quality experience in the NEAFL against AFL listed players.
The Sharks were determined to land a mighty blow early in its campaign with its first match on the road to Surfers Paradise. A thumping 58-point win set the tone early with the Sharks scoring 154-points in what would be its highest tally of the season.
Narrow losses to Labrador, Morningside and Surfers Paradise in the first half of the season were matched with impressive wins over Maroochydore and Broadbeach; the latter providing the squad with self belief that it could be a major contender in the business end of the season.
The Round 13 loss to Morningside at home was a tough one for the Sharks as they virtually led the Panthers all day before the visitors stormed home to win by 10-points with both teams having their chances to put the game away with missed opportunities.
This was the last major challenge for the Panthers in a finals-like game as the season came to an end several weeks later. When the Sharks returned to action in week one of the finals at home; it led for much of the day and had the game in control against Maroochydore before Mitch Scholard on his 30th birthday landed seven goals as the visitors kicked seven goals to two in the last term and win by 10-points in the first Elimination Final.
Maroochydore tasted its only win of the season against a top six team in the game against the Sharks en-route to a Grand Final. On the other hand, for the Sharks, it was a missed opportunity as they had the runs on the board against the top tier teams to potentially go all the way. It was a golden opportunity that slipped right through their fingers. Now is their time for redemption.
SEASON 2022
Phil Carse enters his fourth year in the role as Head Coach. He was first appointed into the role while the team competed in the NEAFL. He previously coached Camperdown in the Hampden League from 2015 to 2018 before joining the club.
Carse is will be have the support from Assistant Coaches Jarrod Keogh, Tye Wishart, Adrian Williams, Matt Hammelmann, Darryl Steven.
KEY RECRUITS
Matt Hammelmann – Aspley/VFL – returns to the club after two seasons away. He is one of the best forwards outside of the AFL with an incredible record. He took home the Frosty Miller medal for leading goal kicker in the VFL last year with 42 goals for Aspley, a team that only won one game. He previously spent three years with the Brisbane Lions after being picked up through the Academy program, so he knows the talent and this competition well.
Jack Rolls – Aspley/VFL – returns to the club after two seasons away. He is a midfield bull with elite work ethic and picked up 20 disposals or more in half of his games in the VFL last year
Brock Aston – Morningside – returns to the club after playing the one game for them in 2017. He finished equal 4th in the Grogan Medal last season and adds to the very strong midfield group.
KEY OUTS
Darcy Marsh (Injured – Concussions)
YOUNG PLAYERS TO WATCH COMING UP THROUGH THE COLTS
”We are making a strong commitment to exposing our Colts to Senior football at Development level throughout the year. The return of our Junior Academy strengthens our partnership with our Junior club,” – Carse
X FACTOR
Peter Yagmoor – can play anywhere on the ground and is probably the best kick in the competition.
EXPECTATIONS ON THE SEASON AHEAD
“To improve on last year’s performance,” – Carse
TEAM/S LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAY THE MOST AND WHY
“The QAFL is setting itself up to be a really high quality standard with a great mix of exciting youth and AFL experienced players.
“We are excited by the challenge of facing all teams as everyone looks to improve and make their mark on the competition,” – Carse
PLAYER TO WATCH FROM YOUR TEAM
Caleb Franks – was a runaway winner of the Dowling Medal (club best and fairest) last year and he is a first-class competitor.
SUMMARY
There is a lot to love about this team heading into the 2022 season. Last season was one a missed opportunity and everyone around the playing group knows it.
The addition of Hammelmann up forward provides that strong target that the team needs. Yagmoor, Kerr and Waters led the goal kicking last year but to have someone of Hammelmann’s ability inside the forward 50 enables those types of players to press more up the ground.
The run that the likes of Yagmoor and Christensen showcase on the wing; past Grogan Medal winner Tom Salter across half-back; the additions of Rolls and Aston in the midfield with their intensity and to have the height of Huddy and leadership of Williams; this team has the capacity to go the distance this year. The club identified what it needed in he off-season and went out and filled those requirements with genuine talent.
Look out QAFL; the Sharks are ready to bite and to stake their claim at the top of the food chain in South East Queensland football.
Picture by: Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Facebook
