A few mates with a few medals
Way back 20 years ago, three mates laced up the boots to have a kick together in the under 6’s. 20 years later, they shared a senior premiership together at that same club. Jack McGill, Blake Wallis and Andrew Sponneck, who were all Springwood juniors, walked away from the 2015 QFA South Grand Final with premiership medals around their necks, and a bond that will never be broken. In fact, they were three of nine players in the 2015 Springwood premiership side that played junior footy at the club. They breed them well down there.
From L-R, Jake McGill, Blake Wallis & Andrew Sponneck.
Dale’s rise continues
It seems that Morningside weren’t the only club happy with Brad Dale’s performances for the Panthers this year, especially late in the piece. Aspley NEAFL coach John Blair was keeping a close eye on Dale throughout the QAFL finals series, and liked what he saw from the 18 year old so much that he has invited him down to do pre-season with the Hornets. Dale is a good sized, poised, classy user of the ball who is bound to have an impact at NEAFL level if he gets the call up.
Pollock re-signs
Another spot in the coveted QAFL coaching race has been locked away, with Mt Gravatt and Brad Pollock agreeing to terms on another year. Pollock’s Vultures had an up and down year this year, with injuries to key players not helping the cause, but when they are on, their run was electric. Look for them to use that outside run even more in 2016 under the watchful eye of Pollock.
Packing up Neately?
While we are on the topic of the Vultures, stand in skipper for 2015 Frazer Neate could be on the move to country Victoria for 2016. Neate, who stepped up to the captaincy plate when Joe Murphy went down with injury, hasn’t made a final call yet, but looks likely to be moving on from Dittmer Park for 2016.
Damo heads to UQ
Damien Richards, fresh of leading the Brisbane South Under 17 Youth Girls team at the State Championships, will take over the UQ QWAFL team for season 2016. Richards is definitely no stranger to the QWAFL landscape. He steered Coorparoo to back-to-back premierships in 2013 and 2014, and also has worked closely with the Queensland women’s team in recent years. He will take over from Michael Swann, who, due to work commitments, will step back into more of an administrative role in 2016.
Where to for Boston?
Andrew Boston yesterday announced his retirement from the Gold Coast Suns after losing the passion to play at the highest level. He’s not lost to footy completely though, saying he wants to come back to play local footy. So now the question is where will he end up? The romantic story would be Boston returning to the Broadbeach Football Club. He played junior and senior footy there, and his dad Neil is a former senior coach. I have a feeling there will be a few people from Broadbeach picking up the phone and giving him a call during the week.
Purves up for Q Sport Award
Rob Purves from the Noosa Football Club has been nominated for the Queensland Sport Volunteer of the Year Award. Purves was recognised as the AFL Queensland State Volunteer of the Year earlier this year for his work with the senior, junior, Auskick and disability programs at the Tigers. Purves will join the six other nominees at the 2015 Sport Awards on Monday, November 30. Good luck, Rob!
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
