Queensland will try to run Tasmania off their feet in tomorrow’s interstate clash at Fankhauser Reserve on the Gold Coast, reports The Courier-Mail.
Friday 11 June 2010
Queensland will try to run Tasmania off their feet in tomorrow’s interstate clash at Fankhauser Reserve on the Gold Coast, reports The Courier-Mail.
The Maroons have picked a side boasting plenty of speed and skill as they look to turn around last year’s 49-point loss in Hobart.
“Our strength is in our youth and our ability to run,” said Queensland coach Jason Cotter, who masterminded an upset 11-point win in Launceston in 2007.
“Our average age is only 22 and a half and we have picked blokes who are in form.”
Cotter denied that revenge would be a factor in this game, with Tasmania bringing over 10 players who were part of last year’s successful combination.
“We have a completely new side too – there’s only six or so players left from last year – and this is more about playing at home in front of our own crowd and doing the best for themselves this time around,” Cotter said.
The Queensland midfield boasts plenty of class, with former Carlton player Darren Pfeffer dominating at QAFL level alongside Danny Wise, NT Thunder wizard Cameron Ilett in dazzling form and prolific ballwinner Paul Shelton a centre clearance specialist.
Livewire forwards Dayne Zorko, Nathan Gilliland, James Charlesworth and Matthew Payne are noted goalkickers but can also switch to midfield matchwinners.
Tasmania’s defence broke Queensland last year with full-back Brennan Savage destroying 80-goal forward Jason Eagle but he faces a tougher task this time against in-form Cleve Hughes.
The Apple Islanders have a gamebreaker of their own in former North Melbourne and Geelong utility Cameron Thurley, who has a happy knack of kicking goals from anywhere. Their focal point will be big Brian Finch, who booted 10 goals for Launceston last week in the Tasmanian State League.
The Tasmanians have taken a punt by bringing just one ruckman, the often injured Mitchell Hills, and Queensland will look to Kenrick Tyrrell to dominate the hitouts.
Queensland have a long history of interstate clashes against Tasmania, first facing off 102 years ago in the Australasian Championships in Melbourne, where the Islanders won by 140 points.
It took the Maroons until 1975 to register their first ever win over the Australian Football-mad State, although Tasmania’s last win in Queensland was back in 1982.
