Photo by Brooke Sleep Media
By Abby Collins
This weekend, the highly anticipated clash between local rivals Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach promises to be a spectacle as they vie for the coveted Andrew Schumacher Memorial Trophy.
The last encounter saw Surfers Paradise clinch victory with a decisive 14.14 (98) to 8.6 (54) scoreline.
However, Broadbeach enters the fray with renewed vigour, fresh off a stunning win against former table-toppers Aspley, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown at Kallibr Homes Oval.
The significance of this game extends beyond the points on offer. The Andrew Schumacher Memorial Trophy, named in honour of a beloved premier player and volunteer for both clubs, adds a deeper meaning to this weekend’s match. Additionally, Surfers Paradise will be hosting their annual Ladies’ Day, alongside celebrating a couple of player milestones.
The Broadbeach Cats will be fielding a bolstered lineup. Key returns include Lucas Jellyman-Turner, Charlie Harmelin, Adam Hull, Jezz Butler, and Will Cooper.
Riley Bowman and Taine Dawson will be playing in the VFL.
The Dees are looking to shake off their recent loss to Morningside. With some lineup changes, the Demons will welcome back Malachi Lines, Jack Brauman, Hayden Crozier, and Axel Moore.
Making way for these heavy hitters are Jayme Reckers, John Boxer, William Broadbent, and Ewan Macpherson.
“Hayden Crozier is one of our big recruits. He’s back from overseas, so he’s going to be in the team, which we are really excited about,” said Dees coach Matthew Lappin.
“He had a bit of an injury before he went overseas, but he’s come back fit and fired up.”
Key players to watch from Surfers Paradise include Mitchell Patten, currently the sixth highest goal scorer in the competition, Brody Haberfield, who will be celebrating his 200th senior game, and Jalen Curtis, who will be marking his 50th game with the Dees.
These milestones are expected to add some heat to the Dees’ feet this weekend, providing even more motivation to secure this Saturday’s win.
“We’re really excited by the opportunities that lay in front of us,” Lappin said.
“We just have to get out and get the job done now. A little bit less talk, a little bit more action from the Demons.”
Broadbeach’s defence, led by the consistent Kasey Nichols and Thomas Reeves, will be crucial in countering Surfers Paradise’s attacking threats.
The Cats’ captain, Blake Ericson, who spent much of his last game against the Demons trying to shake his tagger, will be looking to lead his team to redemption this time around.
Coach Lappin has full belief in the Dees’ abilities to beat the Cats despite their noteworthy victory against the Hornets last Saturday.
“If we can get ourselves right, play the right brand of footy and execute the way we want to play, then hopefully it doesn’t really matter what the opposition does, because we like to think our best is better than almost anyone,” Lappin said.
The high stakes and emotional undercurrents make this a match not to be missed, with both teams battling it out not just for the points, but for pride, honour, and remembrance.
This clash of local titans is set to be a defining chapter in the legacy of the Andrew Schumacher Memorial Trophy.
