By Ant Wingard
Palm Beach Currumbin overcame a gallant Broadbeach outfit to claim back to back premiership with a 34-point win in the QAFL Grand Final.
AFL Queensland was on the ground in the minutes following the Lions’ history making triumph to capture the reactions from the players and staff themselves.
John Anthony, Forward; Joe Grant Medallist
“It’s unbelievable. We always had belief, but I think about three quarters of the way through the season, we dropped a few games and we knew we had to readjust and come together and we managed to get our best team on the field. We just had belief and the result is that we get another premiership.”
“I cop it every week but as you saw at the end of the game, there’s a lot of respect between the two clubs. Obviously on the ground, we hate each other but off the field, there is a lot respect.”
Jesse Derrick, Midfielder
“It’s hard to describe. I said the same thing last year, but it’s unbelievable. I guess it’s a culmination of ten months of hard work or probably longer. It’s a long slog all year and the boys’ efforts today, it was unbelievable. I’m so proud of everyone at the whole footy club.”
“To defend a premiership, it’s hard to do and I’m so proud we were able to do. We’ve had this group together for a few years now and we’ve been able to string out best footy together over the stretch of the year.”
Thomas Thynne, Midfielder
“This is the best feeling ever. This is the greatest feeling I have ever experienced in my life.”
“Anything can happen in a Grand Final and we knew that coming in. We were confident in ourselves, but we also respect Broadbeach. They were the second-best team in the competition going in and we knew that, but we put everything on the line and so did they and we were just lucky to come out on top. As you saw on Friday night with Richmond, it’s hard to go back to back and we’ve just done it so it’s time to enjoy the celebrations.”
Chad Owens, Head Coach
“It’s relief really. There’s a lot of teams that finish at the top of the ladder that don’t go on to win the Grand Final. These boys work so hard. Everyone thinks it’s a talented list, but these boys work their bum off. They drive the culture of the football club and as a result, they get this reward at the end of the year.”
“Today, to be challenged; to be behind and to come back and edge our way back in front and then continue to go was really important.”
“To be honest, the coach plays a really small part. When you get to work with those guys, you feel like Luke Nolan with Blake Caviar sitting underneath you. The boys just need a little bit of redirecting every now and then. They coach themselves and they look after each other.”
Anne Cornish, Club President
“I’m elated. It’s unbelievable. It means everything. This is for everyone- the volunteers, the supporters, the committee, the players and the coaches. It’s just great. I couldn’t be prouder today. This is one of the highlights of my life to be quite honest.”
Image: Albert Perez/AFL Media
