The danger zone
Second placed Palm Beach Currumbin have lost their last two matches and have suffered from not being able to get their full lineup together. This is a team that really doesn’t like to lose and supporters will be looking for a response.
The Lions come up against Mt Gravatt, fresh off their bye and before that, a disappointing loss to the Western Magpies. It looms as a danger game for the Vultures, against a Lions side eager to get back on the winner’s list.
The sky lounge
Versatile tall Ryley Buntain is back to his best after a ripping performance against the Gorillas in round 11. The illusive Panthers defender filled the hole in defense well and created out of the backline.
Another defensive marking player Wayde Mills, is also hitting his straps at the right time of the season. The Tigers tall defender made things incredibly difficult for Palm Beach in their recent clash, seemingly blocking off every Lions advance up the field.
Surfers Paradise have a significant challenge ahead of them this week when they meet the undefeated Tigers, who’s legend grows larger each week.
Under the radar
Wilston Grange’s Harry Milford has been ticking along nicely this season and particularly early in the game against Morningside in round 11 looked dangerous delivering the ball inside 50 from the half forward line.
Milford is still on the way up in terms of his development and with six games to go, there’s time for him to hit higher heights yet.
Grange will take on Sandgate in round 12, a side still yet to achieve their first win of the season. The Hawks come in to the game with a strong lineup and will be buoyed by the return of big man Brendan Forbes and the support of returning U17 state player Cody Stackelberg.
It’s a danger game for Wilston Grange, missing their skipper Steve Brittain and coming off a loss to Morningside. Given where the Gorillas are at, sitting in seventh position on the ladder, the Hawks might not get a better chance to snatch a win.
They’ll need to keep a close eye on Matthew Trewhella, who’s is in outstanding form for Wilston Grange, having kicked seven and five goals in his last two games.
Collision course
It’s fourth versus fifth in a battle of two teams very evenly matched on exposed form so far this season. Both sides have also won their last two games and are getting their systems in order as they approach finals.
The point of difference is that the Western Magpies are still a young team, while Morningside have a few experienced players that have found some form in recent weeks, like Matthew Logan, Nathan Kinch and Kent Abey.
So it’s another classic contest between sprightly youth and wily experience, but for the Magpies it also makes the role of more experienced players like Drew Mitchell and Gareth Crawford really important, in terms of how they show the way for their young players.
Coach’s corner
Broadbeach coach Brett Andrews has the bye this week, so took some time to provide analysis on round 12’s matchups.
Wilston Grange will come into their clash with Sandgate as favorites, but after Broadbeach’s round eight draw with the Hawks, Andrews thinks they’re dangerous with their full lineup.
“If Sandgate is the side that we played, they were strong and had a lot of good players in their side. Their top ten players aren’t too bad; if all those guys play I reckon they’ll beat Wilston Grange,” Adrews said.
It’s a similar story with the Palm Beach Currumbin versus Mt Gravatt clash, a game Andrews believes could be closer than people think.
“Palmy, obviously they’re a good side and they are going to come out firing with a bit of a response to their two losses,” Andrews said.
“But I reckon that one’s going to be a close one.”
Looking at the reigning premier’s lineup, particularly with the return of Barry Hall, Andrews thinks it will be hard for the Demons to get a win.
“I think Labrador will win pretty easy,” said Andrews.
“Their kids will take them on, I just think Labrador will be able to stop them.”
Morningside and the Western Magpies look evenly matched on exposed form and Andrews is expecting a tight tussle, but gives the Panthers the edge.
“I think Morningside are on the rise, they’re looking pretty dangerous,” Andrews said.
“I think Morningside will be way to strong for them.”
Team Lists
Labrador vs. Surfers Paradise
Download Footy Record: Tigers vs Demons Round 12
Mt Gravatt vs. Palm Beach Currumbin
Download Footy Record: Vultures vs Lions Round 12
Western Magpies vs. Morningside
Download Footy Record: Magpies vs Panthers Round 12
Sandgate vs. Wilston Grange
Download Footy Record: Hawks vs Gorillas Round 12
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
