By Jeff Neumann
The Morningside Panthers will be aiming for back-to-back premierships while Redcliffe Tigers will be hunting their maiden flag in this Sunday’s Pathways to Care Queensland Wheelchair Football League Grand Final at Nissan Arena.
Ormeau Bulldogs clinched the minor premiership on percentage, after a season to remember going from last years wooden spooners to claiming the regular season bragging rights.
However, it was the experience of Morningside and Redcliffe that showed come finals as the Bulldogs went out in straight sets with the Panthers and Tigers roaring into this year’s decider setting up a rematch of last seasons big game.
Morningside and Redcliffe have met twice this season, splitting the wins between them.
The Tigers got redemption in Round 1 Game 2, with an impressive 16 point win as new captain-coach Tristan Orchard flexed his muscles in a dominate display at centre half-back. Meeting against each other in Round 3 Game 1, the Panthers were getting on a roll as Michael Dobbie-Bridges slotted 5-majors to lead his side and inflict Redcliffe’s first loss of the season.
Players to watch…
Morningside Panthers
#5 Ash Holt: The rookie has gone from strength to strength this season and is a defensive pillar for the Panthers. One of the best one on one defenders in the competition, Holt’s ability to read the play and spoil brings her team into the game on every occasion. One match up you don’t want to have.
#11 Michael Dobbie-Bridges: 24 goals from seven games this season, the dual All-Australian has played between attack and defence all year. His use of the half-back is elite and his uncanny ability to find the goals in any situation is second to none. If Dobbie-Bridges gets his hands on the footy, nine times out of 10 the Panthers are hitting the scoreboard.
Redcliffe Tigers
#15 Tristan Orchard: When you roll onto court with Tristan, every Tiger plays with extra confidence. From his incepting marking, spatial awareness and ability to rebound off half-back, Orchard is one of the best defenders in the country. The 2022 All Australian, has found another gear this season and doesn’t matter who he matches up against, all you know is it is going to be a tough day at the office.
#17 Josh Boyle: New to AFL Wheelchair this season, Josh has been a great partner in attack with French but has found his groove and now one of the most versatile players in the competition. Strong marking key forward or physical centre, Boyle is a key cog in the Tigers ball movement and his court coverage catches opponents out.
After another exciting season of the Pathways to Care Queensland Wheelchair Football League, it all comes down to this… a repeat of the 2023 decider, will the Panthers go back-to-back or will Redcliffe claim their maiden title?
Location: Nissan Arena
Time: 11:00am ball-up
Date: Sunday 21 July
FREE ENTRY
- 9:30am – Gates Open
- 9:45am – Pathways to Care Kids Clinic on court (free)
- 10:20am – Warm ups begin
- 10:50am – Pre game ceremony
- 11:00am – Grand Final begins
- 12:15pm (approximately) – Post Game Presentations
For those that can’t make it to Brisbane, the match will be broadcasted and commentated, available to view on the AFL Queensland YouTube channel.
