By Abby Collins
The weekend’s QAFL match of the round was a thriller, with Surfers Paradise delivering a jaw-dropping upset against the highly-favoured Redland-Victoria Point.
Held at the Sharks’ home ground, the game was a showcase of intense pressure and fierce contests from both sides.
Ultimately, the Demons emerged victorious with a commanding final score of 10.9 (69) to 16.9 (105).
The game kicked off under tricky conditions, with gusty winds making ball control a nightmare for both teams.
However, the Demons seemed to have come prepared to dance with the elements.
By the halfway mark of the first quarter, Surfers Paradise had seized control, setting the stage for a memorable match.
Redland-Victoria Point started with a roar, as Robert Campbell and Dylan Smith each booted early goals.
But the Demons were quick to respond. Harrison Fraser, Mitchell Patten, and Elijah Reardon showcased their offensive flair, turning the tide in favour of Surfers Paradise.
Brody Haberfield was a rock in defence, proving to be an impenetrable wall against the Sharks’ advances.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Demons extended their lead, slotting four goals to the Sharks’ two.
Reardon, a constant menace, capitalised on a perfectly timed mark to secure his first major of the day.
Adrian Williams of the Sharks displayed sheer grit, attempting to reset his dislocated finger to continue as the last line of defence.
The third quarter was a battle against the wind, with both teams struggling to maintain control.
Yet, Axel Moore’s precision kicking kept Surfers Paradise ahead.
The Sharks narrowed the margin to just two points with a goal from Jarrod Huddy, but Patten’s wind-assisted response quickly widened the gap once more.
Surfers Paradise continued to dazzle with their foot skills, moving the ball end-to-end with clean marks and smart use of the corridor.
Hayden Crozier’s goal, despite the wind’s resistance, sailed straight through the posts, adding to the Demons’ tally.
Brody Haberfield remained a defensive powerhouse, thwarting the Sharks’ attempts to convert opportunities into scores.
The fourth quarter began with the Demons holding a comfortable 37-point lead.
Redland-Victoria Point managed to score the first major, courtesy of Bailey Reeves, a former Broadbeach talent.
Despite their efforts, the Sharks struggled to close the gap.
Surfers Paradise maintained their dominance with goals from Zac Smith and Captain Harrison Fraser.
Benjamin Woodburn showed incredible resilience, repeatedly getting up despite taking the worst of each contest he headed into.
The ruck duel between Craig Malone of the Sharks and Zac Smith of the Demons was electric, with both players showcasing exceptional aerial skills.
However, the absence of the season’s leading goal scorer, Matt Hammelmann, was felt across the field for Redland-Victoria Point.
In the end, Surfers Paradise’s relentless pressure and strategic play paid off.
Harrison Fraser, the Demons’ captain, was instrumental in their victory, consistently making decisive plays and scoring crucial goals off his clearance work.
The match concluded with Surfers Paradise securing a comfortable victory, steadily increasing their lead with each quarter.
The Demons’ ability to convert opportunities into scoreboard pressure was a key factor in their win, while the Sharks struggled to capitalise, often settling for minor scores over majors.
This victory not only marks a significant upset in the QAFL but also highlights the depth and adaptability of the Surfers Paradise team.
The Dee’s ability to thrive under challenging conditions and maintain composure under pressure was showcased across all four quarters in this round 17 match up.
Surfers Paradise’s victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in their 2024 QAFL season, bringing them one step closer to securing their spot in the finals.
Redland-Victoria Point 2.1 4.4 8.7 10.9 (69)
Surfers Paradise 3.3 8.4 14.8 16.9 (105)
Goals
Redland-Victoria Point Huddy 2, Smith 2, Brown, Campbell, Carbone, Finch, Malone, Reeves
Surfers Paradise Fraser 4, Patten 3, Smith 3, Crozier, Kennedy, Moore, Reardon, Shea, Woodburn
Best Players
Redland-Victoria Point Mitch Stallard, Tyler Hausfeld, Craig Malone, Scott Miller, Jarrod Huddy, Campbell Aston
Surfers Paradise Axel Moore, Harrison Fraser, Brody Haberfield, Michael Luxton, Jamison Shea, Zai Millane
Labrador v Noosa
Labrador 4.10 5.12 12.14 17.20 (122)
Noosa 0.0 2.4 8.4 8.6 (54)
Goals
Labrador Aiden Fyfe 7, Goldsmith 4, Derrington 2, Offersman 2, Bristow, Hall
Noosa Rich 2, Tuohey 2, Delaney-Taylor, Mure, Pettigrove
Best players
Labrador Aiden Fyfe, Harry Sullivan, Tom Simpson, Jay Foon, William Derrington, Jake Goldsmith
Noosa Nathan Horbury, Lachlan Flagg, Benjamin McNiece, Rory McKenzie, Jonathan Freeman, Jai Mure
Broadbeach v Wilston Grange
Broadbeach 3.1 5.4 8.6 13.11 (89)
Wilston Grange 4.4 6.6 7.7 10.10 (70)
Goals
Broadbeach Hull 6, Reeves 3, Bowman 2, Collins, Harrington
Wilston Grange Korewha 3, Fazldeen 2, Bowles, Derksen, Fidler, McGinness, Raines
Best Players
Broadbeach Adam Hull, Cooper Collins, Joel Filippone, Lucas Jellyman-Turner, Riley Bowman, Jack Haggar
Wilston Grange ex Korewha, Hugh Fidler, Zackary Derksen, Lachlan Rhook, Harry Wilson, William Martyn
