LOCAL DERBY CRUCIAL FOR FINALS SPOTS

By Terry Wilson

With current fifth-placed Palm Beach-Currumbin on the road to Sandgate on Saturday, the Demons could grab fifth spot if Sandgate win and the Demons down Gold Coast rivals Burleigh at Sir Bruce Small Park.
“We’re relying on Sandgate – but we have to keep winning to get there,” said coach Beau Zorko, who has taken Surfers to four wins from five matches since he replaced Rob Martin as senior coach, ironically against Burleigh the last time the sides met in round nine.
“Obviously we have to win, it’s as simple as that (to play in the finals). Last week it was five out of five we had to win, this week it’s four out of four.
“We have so much to play for and we need to focus on the job at hand, to focus on the job and play four quarters of good footy.
“And we know Burleigh will be wanting to rectify what went on last time we met.”
That was when the Demons trounced their Coast rivals by 37 points in Bomber territory.
Surfers have two changes, losing Regan Finlay (back) and the omitted Luke Gavin.
Into the side are on-ball pair Mark Sanford and Brody Haberfield, who is back from State uner-18 duties.
Burleigh coach Zane Doubleday came up with the now stock-standard four changes.
The Bombers, now right out of finals calculations, have lost key small forward Nathan Sullivan and Nick Atkins, who are on an overseas holiday, as well as Peter Laenger (calf) and Dean Martin (shoulder).
The Bombers brought in half-forward Mitch Wren, defender Mick Souter, midfielder Trent Vonarx and Tom Newon, a half-forward/midfielder.
“Losing Sullivan is a big one for us,” said Doubleday “He has been a stand-out for us this year.
“But we’ve had a big week on the track, so hopefully we can reverse the woeful effort of last weekend.
“In fact, we’re looking for a vast improvement from the whole club this weekend.”
Last round, the Bombers lost to Palm Beach-Currumbin by margins of 97 points (seniors) and 43 points (reserves).