By Abby Collins
Redland-Victoria Point Sharks and Surfers Paradise Demons are set to clash in an exhilarating Elimination Final at the Sharks’ home ground, Totally Workwear Park.
With both teams eager to keep their premiership hopes alive, this weekend’s do-or-die showdown promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In their last encounter, the Demons pulled off a stunning upset, securing victory at the Sharks’ lair—a feat that is seldom achieved.
When the final siren sounded, the scoreboard read 10.9 (69) to 16.9 (105) in favour of the visitors from the Gold Coast.
“We played Redlands three or four weeks ago, so we are familiar with our opponents, and we performed well on that ground that day,” said Surfers Paradise coach Matthew Lappin.
“We’re feeling quietly confident, but we know we have a lot of hard work ahead of us.”
The Sharks are determined to turn the tide this time, and the Demons must be at their very best to fend off the challenge.
Both teams are bolstering their line-ups with the return of key players for this crucial match.
While the Demons will miss Hayden Crozier due to a hamstring injury, Lappin remains optimistic about his team’s composition.
Harrison Ireland steps in for John Boxer, with the line-up largely unchanged apart from this minor adjustment.
On the other side of the oval, the Sharks welcome back Adrian Williams, Ethan Petterwood, and Bailey Reeves.
“We’ve got Adrian Williams, Ethan Petterwood, and Bailey Reeves back in the side,” Sharks coach Phil Carse said.
“They are three of our strongest players, and it’s fantastic to have them back for this elimination final.”
Jack Prokos, Tajuan Bromwich, and Raphael Geesu will make way for this formidable trio.
The Demons will look to their captain, Harrison Fraser, who delivered a standout performance with four goals in their previous match against the Sharks.
Lappin also emphasised the significance of players like Billy Barn, Zach Smith, and Ben Woodburn, stating, “If we can get strong performances from those guys, we will be tough to beat.”
For the Sharks, Adrian Williams and Clay Cameron are seasoned finals performers, and Carse is eager to see their contributions on Saturday.
“Adrian has won our best player in finals a couple of times,” Carse said.
“He is a big-game player. Clay Cameron up forward is also a proven finals performer.
“I am looking forward to seeing their efforts on Saturday.”
Both coaches anticipate a fiercely contested and exciting match.
Aware of the Demons’ ever-evolving style of play, Carse is prepared to adapt at a moment’s notice.
“We have to be ready for anything on Saturday,” Carse said.
“Surfers Paradise has been a strong side this year, and they are very well drilled. “The two times we’ve faced them, they have displayed two different styles.
“So, we must be prepared for whatever they throw at us.”
Surfers Paradise will step onto the field this weekend, ready to leave it all on the line.
“We are well aware that this team has finished in the top two or three over the last four years,” Lappin said.
“They finished third for a reason. We have our work cut out, and we need to try to win on their home ground, which is no easy task.”
With both teams desperate to keep their seasons alive and advance to the semi-finals, this match is set to be a gripping and hard-fought battle.
The Sharks and Demons will leave nothing in the tank as they vie for a spot in the next round of the QAFL finals.
Will the Demons rise to the occasion, or will the Sharks sink their teeth into victory?
