Lift off
After the first ten minutes of footy, everyone at Southport knew the Palm Beach Currumbin Lions were ready to rumble. The Lions, led by Tyler Cornish and Dylan Troutman in the first quarter, had Labrador on the back foot going into the first change.
Cornish kicked the first goal and was followed by Thomas Thynne, McDonald and Graham, all who impacted the scoreboard in the first, giving Palmy a 4.5.29 to 0.2.2 lead.
In a similar fashion to their semi final clash with the Tigers, the Lions prevented their opposition from moving the ball into their forward line with any fluency. It was the Lions’ incredible tackling pressure that told the tale, as they caused turnovers and scored on the counter attack.
Maintaining the pressure
Jake Dignan, the longer the game went on became more and more of a factor, getting his hands on the footy around the ground. Thomas Thynne got off the chain and kicked his second goal of the game, while Jason Burge joined Dignan causing damage around the packs.
The Tigers continued to battle away but couldn’t hit the scoreboard and remained goalless at half time.
Jayden Young and Wayde Mills did their best to stem the tide, but at the main break it looked like the gap between the sides was in danger of widening.
Steady now
The intensity went up a notch in the third quarter as the Tigers mounted a comeback, kicking five of the next seven goals of the game, pegging the margin back to 25 points.
While Barry Hall kicked two of the goals, it was Bryce Retzlaff that lifted his side, taking some inspiring marks and kicking two massive goals. Retzlaff worked hard all day for the Tigers and was arguably their best – with three goals, 10 marks and 18 disposals according to AFLQ Scores.
A quarter away from the cup
The Lions had one eye on the premiership cup at the last change, inspiring them to keep their foot on the accelerator.
Coach Chad Owens asked for selflessness from the players and it payed off, the Lions putting on another five goals and cementing the 2017 QAFL premiership.
It was party time for the Lions as they put the Tigers to the sword, Thynne, Woolley, Douglas and Headland all joining in the fun.
“I guess you visualize it during the week, but when it actually happens it’s pretty crazy,” said Palm Beach Currumbin skipper Jesse Derrick.
“Unbelievable.”
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
