Photo by Brooke Sleep Media
By Abby Collins
Brace yourselves for an electrifying clash as the Surfers Paradise Demons and Wilston Grange Gorillas lock horns in this weekend’s round 8 match up.
The stage is set for these two powerhouse teams to establish their dominance on the ladder. The Demons, riding high on their epic upset against the previously undefeated Palm Beach Currumbin, now sit a win above the Gorillas. But the Gorillas are hungry for those four points and are ready to unleash it all to get the upper hand.
“We respect Surfers highly, we played them in a final last year,” Wilston Grange coach Brent Moloney said.
“We know they’re a big challenge, it’s one we’re really looking forward to.
“They’re the number one contested ball and mark team in the competition, we’re going to have to beat them at their own game to get those 4 points this weekend.”
The last time these titans clashed, it was the Gorillas who emerged victorious in the elimination finals round of last season, edging out the Demons by a mere 6 points in a nail-biting 16.9 (105) to 16.3 (99) thriller.
With both teams coming off victories, momentum and spirits are soaring. The Demons, brimming with confidence after their stunning takedown of the Lions, are ready to take on all challengers, starting with the Gorillas.
The Gorillas, meanwhile, welcome back Academy players Billy Richardson to their backline, Ned Rosenbrock to their follower pack, and Tom Fry to their interchange.
They also unleash their number one ruckman Zach Westenberg, a sight that has Coach Brent Moloney truly excited.
Not to be outdone, the Demons welcome back the boots of Brody Haberfield, Josh Hall, and Zai Millane, bolstering their young line-up with some senior firepower.
Eyes should be peeled for Surfers Paradise’s Mitchell Patten, the third-highest goal scorer this season, ready to wreak havoc on the Gorillas’ defence.
Benjamin Woodburn and Axel Moore are another formidable duo donning the red and white, while the double trouble Jewell Brothers, Samuel and Myles, are another pair to keep watch of.
Cameron Topping, a reserve player will again stand in the spotlight, as he stays on as the Demons’ ruckman due to Zach Smith’s untimely injury last Friday.
Lucas Snowball, the young gun who has played across colts, reserves, and seniors (not to mention his VFL appearances) this season alone, will be a physical opponent for the Dees, as he is known to throw his body at those double his size and still find his feet.
For the Gorillas, the solid midfield trio of Rhys Mathieson, captain Kailem Baker, and consistent powerhouse Daniel Bowles will be the engine room.
Ex-player Jackson Mills, returning home from his cricket career in England, will add some firepower to the teams forward line, much to Coach Brent’s delight.
Hugh Fidler and Daniel Weetra will be the wall in their backfield, a pair no one wants to come up against.
And Jacquin Mifsud, a fresh face this season and a key forward, has been described by his coach as an exceptional addition to his 2024 season team, one he enjoys watching grow each game.
“Jac is new to us this season but has quickly proven to be one of our key forwards,” he said.
“He has been outstanding in every game, a very consistent player, with exceptional overhead marks.”
Buckle up and enjoy the roller coaster ride that this match will be. With such an evenly match line up of strong players, this is anybody’s game.
In other match ups across the round, Labrador and Broadbeach battle in a clash of the coast, Redland Victoria Point will travel up north to take on Maroochydore, Morningside looks to remain undefeated when they face Noosa at home, reigning premiers Aspley will look to continue their winning ways against Mt Gravattt, and Palm Beach Currumbin will aim to get back into the winner’s circle up against Sherwood.
