Hungry Hungry Hippos
Jarryd Douglas made the most of a Palm Beach midfield that was on top most of the day against Broadbeach. Douglas was strong on the lead and creative when the ball hit the deck, resulting in five goals for the medium sized forward.
Clinton French and Steve Brittain hit the scoreboard for Grange in their victory over the Western Magpies. French looked dangerous every time he went near the footy and ended up kicking four. Brittain moved into the midfield at times and did what he liked, then went forward and kicked three. For the Magpies, Dwyer was a bright light up forward, bagging four and taking some nice marks.
The Demons and Vultures clash at Surfers turned out to be a bit of a shoot out with beneficiaries at both ends, Filewood for the Demons, Stubbs for the Vultures. Filewood played really smart footy for his six goals in a side that was overrun, showed great positioning and had safe hands. He’s not particularly tall either and isn’t a big body, but looks like a talent for the Surfers forward line. Stubbs was impressive for Mt Gravatt, netting seven goals playing traditional full forward and taking some nice grabs on the lead.
One of the great things about the way Labrador is playing at the moment, is the way they spread the goal kicking load. The Tigers midfielders push forward and they have small forwards that can really shark the ball. Todd Featherstone is a great example; against Morningside he worked up and back, then took advantage of his crumbs with some clever snaps. Featherstone ended up with three goals. Admirable mention to Alexander Mitchell from Morningside who looked dangerous on the lead, but didn’t get the best delivery.
Sherrin on a string
Labrador hard nut Zach Brain was incredible against Morningside and won his fair share of ball. What was most impressive though, was his work ethic without the footy and the intense pressure he put on the Morningside ball carriers.
Panthers tall defender Ryley Buntain set up a lolly shop in the back line and was selling candy all day long to the Tigers forwards. The mobile defender took some strong pack marks going back with the flight and was illusive with the ball on the ground. He did everything he could to keep the Panthers in it.
Wilston Grange’s Mark Desousa has been consistent in his first two games and was solid again against the Western Magpies. Like his coach says, he’s just a wise old head and knows how to play the game. Desousa adds balance to the Gorillas midfield and will continue to be important as the season goes on.
Mitchell Hopkins is another one, for Surfers Paradise, that’s had a great start to the season and performed well against Mt Gravatt. Hopkins brings some experience and is really critical in a young, developing side.
Thomas Thynne and Jason Burge were exciting for Palm Beach in their big win over Broadbeach on Saturday. When they get the ball on the outside they can take teams apart with accurate kicking and acceleration. Two weeks in a row now, they’ve put in exceptional performances as a midfield duo and along with Jesse Derrick it’s a formidable midfield.
Against the tide
Broadbeach’s Mitch Brewer was fantastic against Palm Beach Currumbin. The Cats had limited opportunities with the ball, which was in Lion’s hands most of the afternoon, but when they did have it Brewer seemed to be involved. For a big fella he gets around well and provides a target for the Cats half-backs and he’s imposing when he goes forward.
Masterminds
Labrador is the team to beat early in the season, they’re fast, tough and when they get their game going they put their opposition to the sword. Morningside exposed a small chink in the armor up till half time though, giving a bit of hope to the rest of the competition.
The Panthers played speedy, play on, football and troubled the Tigers with their ball movement. They really took the game on at half-back and generated a lot of opportunities, but slowed down in the third quarter. The Tigers’ pressure overwhelmed the Panthers in the end, but it showed Labrador is not unbeatable.
Wilston Grange put their hand up as a contender against the Magpies at Chelmer in a thriller. If Steve Brittain can stay on the park the Magpies won’t be the last in-form team the Gorillas roll.
Recap
To get a play-by-play recount of the match of the round, take a look at the live blog below.
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
