PALM Beach-Currumbin have named star Broadbeach forward Korey Fulton in the team that travels to the Sunshine Coast for a match against Maroochy-Northshore at Fisherman’s Road on Saturday.
Fulton, second on the QAFL/NEAFL’s all-time goalkicking list, was the surprise selection for the Lions, his inclusion likely to draw criticism at such a late stage of the season and when PBC are chasing a top-three finals spot.
By Terry Wilson
Fulton last played for PBC in 2008 and was a member of the losing grand final side.
Coach Craig O’Brien explained Fulton’s selection thus: “Lee Clark will be back next week and he and Korey are very similar.
“I’m hoping to get the guys used to a small, leading-type forward because we’ll have Drakey (James Drake), David Round and Simeon (Blowes) up there as well.
“It’s the structure we’ll have for the finals – if we get there.”
Fulton is one of five changes rung in by the Lions, who are still fifth on the ladder, one win off the pace being set by Sandgate and Western Magpies.
Also out are central defenders Scott Vis (hamstring soreness) and Chris Williams (family commitments), youngster Nick Burton (rested) and veteran Tom Dubelaar.
There are some handy inclusions away from Fulton. On-ball pair Brad Hewat and Matt Carroll return, as does teenage wingman Brayden Pearson.
Maroochy, coming off a bye after an eight-point loss to Noosa in a bog, have two changes, losing Damon Chapman and Ben McAdam and replacing them with 17-year-old forward Dylan Weikhardt and Justin Wickham.
The major concern for Maroochy coach Roger Delaney is that his players do not suffer a letdown, so close to the end of the season, after their gallant effort against Noosa, then the bye.
“I don’t want them to be just playing out the season<’ said Delaney, still hoping the Roos can cause a boilover against one of the top sides before their season comes to an end.
“I’d like to win a game (the Roos have PBC, Sandgate and Springwood to come), so I’m hoping one of those teams comes in a bit lazy against us.’
The last time Maroochy played PBC was in round 11 when the Lions kicked 26,.15 and the Roos replied with 16.7.
Away from the second and third quarters, Maroochy held their own with the Lions.
“I thought we were good for four quarters back then, but we just couldn’t match it with them in efficiency.”
