Image by Anthony Byron Photography
By Abby Collins
Get ready for an electrifying showdown this weekend as Aspley and Wilston Grange, the first and fourth-placed teams, go head-to-head in a match that could shake up the ladder.
With finals looming just two games away, Wilston Grange is eager to secure a win and solidify their position in the top six.
The last time these two fierce competitors met, Aspley came out on top with a convincing score of 15.14 (104) to 10.9 (69). Will history repeat itself, or will the Gorillas swing back into contention?
Aspley brings in Jordon Arnold for this round but loses the firepower of Liam Dawson.
Wilston Grange will be making some big changes, bringing back Daniel Farry, Zach Westerberg, Daniel Lanthois, Blair Humphreys, Rhys Mathieson and Joel Budarick.
Gorillas lose the defensive duo of Kailem Baker and Lachlan Rhook, as well as Nash Stevenson, William Martyn, Matthew Pearce and Lachlan Zakaras.
On the field, the Stackelberg brothers from Aspley are always a highlight. Connor Stackelberg is on a mission to catch up to Matt Hammelmann, the season’s leading goal scorer, while Cody Stackelberg is proving to be a tackling machine with an impressive 88 tackles this season, placing him third in the overall leaderboard.
Tom Templeton is another player to keep an eye on; his ability to move the ball through clearances has him sitting third overall in that category.
Aspley coach Adrian Pilgrim has his sights set on big games from his skipper, Brandon Batchelor and key back, Jordan Hayden.
“Our skipper Brandon Batchelor and Jordan Hayden are ones we will be looking at to deliver big games,” he said.
“Hayden’s ball carry and running skills have been working well for us recently, and Batchelor’s ability to make an impact will be key.”
If you’re looking for excitement, these Hornets are sure to deliver!
For Wilston Grange, Hugh Fidler and Jacquin Mifsud are forces to be reckoned with when it comes to contested marks and forward 50 entries.
Their ability to dominate in the air could be a game-changer.
Rhys Mathieson, the Gorillas’ top recruit, is known for his explosive midfield play, making him a dangerous asset whenever he gets the ball.
And let’s not forget the double Daniel defensive duo, Farry and Lanthois, who have made a name for themselves in the back line.
They are a sight to behold when they find their rhythm.
Pilgrim is confident in his team’s focus heading into this round.
“I think we are heading into this game focused,” Adrian Pilgrim said.
“If we play our brand of footy, we are confident in our ability to get another four points.”
This weekend’s games are sure to be pivotal, with teams fighting tooth and nail for their chance at glory.
Elsewhere, Palm Beach Currumbin faces Labrador in a coastal clash, Surfers Paradise hosts Maroochydore, Morningside takes on Broadbeach, Mt Gravatt seeks their first win against Redland-Victoria Point, and Noosa battles Sherwood for those precious four points.
With so much at stake, the big question remains: Will the Hornets sting again, or will the Gorillas go bananas?
Either way, this match is one you won’t want to miss!
