By Beth Newman
1. Hawks close, can they nab the cigar?
Sandgate have shown plenty of positives in the last fortnight, but haven’t been able to collect the four points. They pushed contenders, Palm Beach, and gave Mt Gravatt a bit of a scare on the weekend. Now, they need reward for effort. Getting close enough needs to transform into wins. My tip is that it could come sooner rather than later.
2. Kinch king of consistency
Morningside midfielder, Nathan Kinch, continues to produce outstanding performances week after week. It’s easy to forget the 2008 Grogan Medallist is only 26, right in his peak. He has been a standout in the undefeated Panthers side this season, not just for his class but his grunt work. The 172cm midfielder gets battered and bruised each week, but he’s the first to get up and go again.
3. Kick it between the big sticks
Wilston Grange left a winnable game last weekend, lamenting some inaccurate kicking. In wet conditions it can be hard to kick straight, but if a 2.7 return in the first quarter had even been 4.5, the result could have been very difference. In fact, all of the losing teams in Rd 8, bar UQ, had an unfavourable conversion rate. On the flipside, all the winning teams had a positive goal:behind ratio. Accuracy counts on the scoreboard, but it also builds momentum in a game and that showed yet again on the weekend.
4. Ladies loving it
UQ held its first Ladies Day on Sunday, which generated a sensational atmosphere. With a DJ, a bake sale to raise money for cancer research, and one of the biggest crowds of the year, the Red Lions created a buzzing day. The bulk of the women taking advantage of the event were the club’s women’s team, who spent the day on the scoreboard as well. Still in its infancy, the initiative has a way to go to rival some others, but it certainly created something a bit extra at Oval 7.
5. Bye, Bye, Bye
It’s rep footy weekend this weekend, which means no regular QAFL. Some clubs will be stoked with a week off to nurse their players through and set up for the back end of the year; while some will be crossing their fingers and toes that they can keep their momentum going. The first week back will be telling for every club, as to how well they’ve treated themselves in the bye. Whether they go easy or hard, bye management is essential in a long season.
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