The QFAW Division 1 Senior Grand Final will see a new champion crowned, as Sandgate and Sherwood vie for their first premiership in this competition tommorrow at the South Pine Sports Complex.
Sandgate enters the final as the clear favourite, having gone undefeated throughout the 2024 season. They’ve enjoyed a two-week break after securing their place with a commanding victory over the reigning champions, Moreton Bay. Under the leadership of Ben Long, who guided them to Division 1 only last year, the Hawks are primed for the big stage.
In contrast, Sherwood has had a tougher path to the final but carries significant momentum. They secured narrow victories over Surfers Paradise and Morningside in the elimination finals before overcoming Moreton Bay by 21 points in the preliminary final. This win at Red Rooster Park, with its wide open spaces, mirrors the playing conditions they’ll face at South Pine.
Whilst Sandgate hold the ledger at three wins over Sherwood this season, their most recent encounter in the final round of the home and away season saw Sandgate escape with just a five point victory.
The Hawks have made three changes from their qualifying final with Elizabeth Atkinson, Mckenzie Brady and Kendra Uzelac coming into the side.
For the Magpies, they make just one change from their preliminary final win with Leah Sibbick pulling on the black and white jersey.
Both sides have a number of stars across the park, but look for Sandgate’s Febulous Kanth and Mackenzie sleep in the midfield to make a difference, with both hitting the scoreboard frequently across the season.
Expect Sherwood’s captain Abigail Ashford to be closely watched by the Hawks, with Ashford being one of the competitions premier players, and has booted a goal in each final and been among Sherwood’s best.
With both teams showcasing strong running games, the team that effectively utilizes the open spaces at South Pine will likely emerge victorious.
Heading to the game? Check out all the Grand Final event details here.
Watching from home? Catch the QFA Division 1 HART Sport Cup Grand Final live from 2:00 pm on the AFL Queensland YouTube channel.
