A preview of this weekend’s Round 4 action.
There might only be two Allied Pickfords Cup matches this weekend, but there’s still plenty of quality footy on offer.
Tomorrow’s clash between Sandgate and UQ looms as a crucial one for both sides.
Sitting at 1-2 after four rounds, a win for either team would put them well and truly in the mix, while a loss could make featuring in September an uphill battle.
The Hawks will take plenty of confidence into the match, after notching up their first win against Maroochydore in round three.
Sandgate coach, Rob Dickfos, said that win injected plenty of enthusiasm into the group and they would be keen to make it two in a row at home tomorrow.
“The boys are extremely excited and that win was just reward for the work they’ve put in,” he said.
“They’re slowly realising they don’t need to fear anyone. They just need to go in prepared to do their best.”
Sandgate coach, Rob Dickfos, said after a week off, his side was ready and raring to go.
Both sides have shown they should not be taken lightly in the Allied Pickfords Cup, taking down more highly rated opposition in recent weeks.
The Hawks’ ability to run games out will pose the greatest challenge for UQ, senior coach Matt Stewart said.
“Sandgate are a well-coached side with lots of run,” he said.
“This is a huge challenge for our guys this week.”
The fast finishing Hawks side will prove a major threat for UQ, who faded away in their final quarter against Coolangatta after leading by four goals at the final change.
Stewart has previously emphasised the need for his side to establish consistency over four quarters, and this will be no more important than against a side like the Hawks, who have quickly established a reputation for producing strong whole-game efforts against arguably superior opposition.
Neither side has made many changes to their starting sides ahead of the clash.
The final round four match should also be a cracker, with Wilston Grange taking on local rivals, Mayne.
Despite being among the favourites going into the season, Mayne has had an injury-marred start to the season and sits winless.
The Gorillas will head in with all the momentum, after a stirring defeat over Palm Beach a fortnight ago.
Another win could put them on top of the ladder, depending on percentage.
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Allied Pickfords Cup record here.
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