Match of the Round
Western Magpies vs. Surfers Paradise. Live blog here: https://aflq.com.au/western-magpies-vs-surfers-paradise/
The danger zone
Sandgate enter the danger zone this week, simply because they’re heading into a ‘top verses bottom’ clash against the Labrador Tigers. Labrador come into the game as overwhelming favorites, but it’s been an unpredictable season so far and anything is possible. Hawks coach ‘Bomber’ Adams will be hoping his side can pull one out of the hat, if they do it will be the upset of the year.
The sky lounge
Broadbeach has come into contention as a QAFL heavyweight over the past few weeks, off the back of some great solo performances. Mitch Brewer is one of a group of players that are flying for the Cats. Brewer is a handy option down forward, where he provides a marking target and he’s also a big body around the contest when he goes into the ruck.
When Broadbeach play Mt Gravatt this weekend it will be an excellent test for the Cats and if they come away with the points, they’ll cement their ‘heavyweight’ status.
The Vultures have been slowly building into the season and after a big win over the Hawks, showed some really good signs against the reigning premiers, the Tigers. A win over the Cats would be the ideal next step for Mt Gravatt.
Under the microscope
Brent Moloney is expected to come back into the lineup this week when the Gorillas take on the Lions. The barrel chested, ex-AFL gun missed last week with a finger injury and his absence from the Gorillas midfield was noticeable. A clearance machine, Moloney will be important in the contested stages of the game against the experienced Palm Beach Midfield.
It’s not the best time to be playing Palm Beach, who are coming of a refreshing bye, and a convincing win over Sandgate. Names like Burge, Woolley, Derrick and Troutman are in ripping form and continue to terrorize opposition midfields.
Collision course
This week’s match of the round is the ‘Battle of the Bush,’ between the Western Magpies and Surfers Paradise and it couldn’t come at a better time. Surfers are in great condition after stunning the competition with a win over Morningside and then nearly backing it up, almost stealing the game against Wilston Grange.
The Magpies are fresh off the bye, having had a much needed rest after playing flag favorites Labrador. Coach Brydan Morgan’s team have lost their last two games after a promising start and will look to get their season going again with a win.
There’s also some great matchups to keep an eye on in this one, Surfers defender Brody Haberfield will be trying to shut down the likes of Charlie Pershouse and Jakob De Winter, who can have a big influence up forward for the Magpies if they get going.
Demons spearhead Daniel Green will attract a lot of attention, while Magpie Davey Lewis’ intercept marking and ball winning ability will be on show.
Way back when
Round 18 2016 saw the last Magpies verses Demons go right down to the wire. The Western Magpies took the honours, 91 to 89.
Mt Gravatt won by 31 points in their last encounter with Broadbeach.
The last time the Hawks came up against the Tigers, the Tigers won in a one sided affair, 147 to 62.
Wilston Grange went down by 39 points against Palm Beach in round 17 last year.
Coach’s corner
Morningside has a week off this weekend and coach Steve Wildschut stopped by to provide some insight into the round’s games. The Panthers had a big loss to Broadbeach on the weekend, so the bye provides an opportunity for the team to re-asses their season and work on their structure.
“I think Broadbeach are a side to be reckoned with, I certainly think they’re on the way up as a footy club and what they showed on the weekend was that they’ll be in the top echelon of the comp,” said Wildschut.
“I would think if you went by results and where the clubs are at, that you would favor Broadbeach, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Mt Gravatt got up as well.”
Steve is a big believer that it’s the type of year in which any team can pinch a win on their day, if their opposition doesn’t show up prepared. Having said that, he thinks it will take something pretty special for a side to beat the Tigers this year, making this week a big challenge for Sandgate.
“I think the competition is that even, that people need to give everybody credit otherwise they could find themselves unstuck, albeit I think Labrador have the potential to go through and not be impacted in the loss column this year,” said Wildschut.
An important point to remember, according to Wildschut, is that Palm Beach lead the competition last year, in all but the last round. Steve reckons their clash with Wilston Grange could hinge on which team turns up to play on the day.
“Palmy are doing a great job, they’ve changed their culture over the past couple of years, now they’re setup for sustained success. It’ll be a really good test for Grange to see where they’re at,” said the Panthers coach.
Round 6’s other game will be played in Toowoomba and given that it’s away from home for both sides, Wildschut thinks it will be an interesting contest.
“It’s a credit to both footy clubs and the QAFL for setting the game up, up in Toowoomba. It’ll be a fantastic event up there and a showpiece, so I think both sides will get themselves up to play,” said Wildschut.
“When they’re on (Surfers) they’re really on, they run on top of the ground full of verve and energy and they’ll make you pay on the scoreboard.
“(Western Magpies) look like they started the season really well and now they’re just looking to maintain and sort of capitalize and get another win on the board to keep their season rolling on.”
Team Lists
Broadbeach vs. Mt Gravatt
Labrador vs. Sandgate
Wilston Grange vs. Palm Beach Currumbin
Western Magpies vs. Surfers Paradise
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
