By Abby Collins
In a thrilling contest, South Queensland emerged victorious over North Queensland by a mere two-point margin. The intrastate match was a nail-biter from start to finish, showcasing the fierce rivalry between the two regions.
The final scoreboard read 13.8 (86)- 12.12 (84) in favour of South Queensland, capping off a game that will be remembered for years to come.
The first quarter set the tone for the intense battle ahead. South Queensland’s Ned Lanyon drew first blood, kicking the opening goal within minutes of the starting whistle.
Lachlan Davidson followed suit, widening the lead for South Queensland.
However, North Queensland fought back, keeping the margin to just one point at the first break.
North Queensland seized control in the second quarter, thanks to the accurate boot of Tyron Rainbird and the explosive efforts of Fitzroy Greenwool.
Their momentum and marking ability proved challenging for South Queensland to counter.
Joel Mitchell’s electric play contributed to North Queensland’s dominance, helping them build a 17-point lead by halftime.
The third quarter saw North Queensland further extend their advantage.
Despite Dylan Reid’s solid goal for South Queensland, the northern side maintained their grip on the game.
Joseph Ugle stood out as a formidable last line of defence for North Queensland, consistently thwarting South Queensland’s attempts to score.
Alex McKay managed to claw back some ground for South Queensland with a well-timed goal, reducing the deficit to 12 points heading into the final term.
The fourth quarter brought a dramatic shift in the game’s dynamics. South Queensland, led by the tireless efforts of Beau Harris in the forward 50, began to mount a comeback.
Harris’ crucial goal narrowed the gap to just eight points, igniting hope for his team.
The tension reached fever pitch as both sides traded goals and behinds, with the scoreboard showing 72-72 at one point.
Joel Mitchell’s third goal of the evening briefly put North Queensland back in front, 84-80, with less than two minutes remaining.
However, a free kick to South Queensland in the dying seconds of the game proved decisive.
Alex McKay, capitalising on this opportunity, kicked the final major of the match at the 78-minute mark, sealing a remarkable come-from-behind victory for South Queensland.
The game saw high congestion and intense pressure from both sides throughout.
The turning point came in the final quarter when South Queensland’s renewed intensity and ability to force turnovers allowed them to overcome the deficit.
With no player truly shining above the others, both teams worked tirelessly as united fronts to try best their opposition.
“It was a very good game, very hard fought across the board,” Cadzow said.
“Every player worked hard in their roles, there was no one outstanding player, just an outstanding group which always makes for a great game of footy.
“We changed a few things that seemed to work in the second half, a couple of position swaps to try and really reel that win in.
“It was so close, we fought for the last ten minutes. We gave a couple free kicks away at the end and it really put us under the pump again.
“It was a game that came down to the last kick which always makes for good footy to watch.”
Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, making this match a true spectacle of Australian Rules Football.
“It was a great opportunity to square the ledger,” Cadzow said.
“North Queensland have won the last three series. We were really confident in putting on a good show this time. We’re really glad to be in front at the end of such a good footy game.
“We left the field having balanced out the contest, each team sitting at five wins a piece. It’s a really tight scenario in this rivalry going forward.”
South Queensland 3.1 5.2 8.6 13.8 (86)
North Queensland 3.2 7.7 9.11 12.12 (84)
Goals
South Queensland Mckay 2, Harris 2, Lanyon 2, Denahy 2, Wischnat, Doolan, Davidson, Reid,
North Queensland Rainbird 4, Mitchell 3, Cossens, Higgins, Greenwool, Mrsich, Ugle
Best on Ground Medals
Ron Davidson Medal (South Queensland BOG) – Dylan Reid
Wayne Jackson Medal (North Queensland BOG) – Joel Mitchell
