Mark: B+
Thoughts:
At the start of the year, if you offered Mt Gravatt two finals and a few big wins over teams they have struggled against recently at the start of the year, they would have taken it.
Yes, they were disappointed with the way they exited, but nonetheless, it was a season they could be proud of, and one where they probably overachieved in areas.
The highlights:
Winning a final is always going to be top of the list, especially the way they managed to close out the game against Surfers Paradise a couple of clutch plays in the final minutes, but just as important to the club was their win over Morningside at home on Ferg Reid day in round 16.
The lowlights:
A mid-season slump, which had a lot to do with personnel missing, probably cost them a double chance in the finals. They were the team to beat in the first month, and came home strong, but the middle period where they went three games without a win definitely hurt them.
What they will take from 2016:
They got a taste of finals footy, they proved to themselves they could win the close ones, and they will be all the better for it.
Going into the year, there were a few question marks over their style of play, which is to get it moving out wide, heavily relying on their wingmen and flankers to provide dash. What we discovered pretty quickly was that when it works, not many can stop it. They laid some very strong building blocks towards the future.
The stars:
Mick Hamill put together as good of a season as you could imagine. He was the game breaker. Joe Murphy worked well into his comeback season, and Andrew Smith probably the best ruckman in the comp this year.
Who emerged?
The early bolter was Jordan Bacic. He became a lock in the Vultures back six, providing them with a lot of run. A midfield role beckons in the future, but for now, he will be an automatic selection every Thursday night.
Angus Hubert returned to senior footy well. He really worked into the year, providing them with some great grunt work.
What they need for 2017:
With Troy Moncur a question mark, (and fair enough too, he will be 38 in December!) the Vultures would love another big key forward who can play deep. Crawley looks best suited to the high forward role going forward, and another big body in the goal square would also allow Estall to hit the front of the pack instead of being the sole target.
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
