By Ant Wingard
Missed the action from Day One of the AFL Inclusion Carnival? Check the day one wrap right here.
Queensland v South Australia
Queensland entered day two of the Inclusion Carnival in sixth place and faced a tough test first up against the third seeded South Australia.
Regardless though, the Big Q burst out of the blocks in the first half and got the early jump on the Croweaters.
South Australia soon gained the momentum in the contest and had two goals on the scoreboard to show for it as their two-way running became the highlight of the game.
Queensland though, to their credit, sticked in the contest through a Brad Lawrence just before the main break against the run of place.
The second half saw South Australia again flex their muscles as in much the same vein, they kicked two goals to all but seal the win for the tricolours.
Again, Queensland would hit back late, kicking their second major through Josh Correa however the damage on the scoreboard was eventually too much to overcome.
Queensland: 2.0 (12) def. by South Australia: 4.3 (27)
Queensland goals: J. Correa, B. Lawrence.
Queensland v West Australia
Queensland’s gun forward Graydon Poulsen has proved his worth on more than one occasion throughout the 2019 AFL Inclusion Carnival and against West Australia, that sentiment was no different.
Poulsen booted four goals on the opening day of play and kicked another two as Queensland etched out a 12-point win over the sandgropers – the side’s second win of the carnival.
Throughout both halves, Queensland remained strong around the ball and showed an improved knack of tackling.
Their pressure around the ball made life different for their opponents and paved the way for Poulsen’s two goals.
Overall, the win was a strong team effort as the team held their nerve to hang on and claim the four points after a few close losses yesterday along with the draw against Victoria Country.
Queensland: 2.1 (13) def. West Australia 0.1 (1)
Queensland goals: Graydon Poulsen 2.
Queensland v Tasmania
Queensland’s hopes of qualifying for Division One for the third straight year were dashed as Tasmania prevailed by a single point in both side’s final game in the lightening round.
The loss was Queensland’s second of the carnival by two points or less having gone down by another slim margin against Victoria Metro.
Emotions remained high for both sides throughout the game with so much at stake and the open play, which often resulted in many possessions lasting from one end of the ground to the other, allowed both team ample scoring opportunities.
Queensland took a one-point deficit into the main break where they could regroup and reset for the second half.
Little separated both sides in the second half however with both teams adding a second goal before Tasmania would hold on for the smallest of victories.
Queensland: 2.1 (13) def. by Tasmania: 2.2 (14)
Queensland goals: G. Poulsen, J. Correa.
