Welcome to the big-time
As a player, your first touch in senior footy is something you will always remember. It wont just be Zac Harrsion who looks back fondly at his, everyone at Salk Oval on Saturday will. The Palm Beach junior product imposed himself on the QAFL within 30 seconds of the first bounce when he picked up the ball 40 out, split the huge pack of defenders, and kicked truly. If his first game was anything to go by, this kid has future star written all over him.
Female footy returns
Lets not beat around the bush, pre-season is tough. It’s filled with long hot nights, exhausting running, sore bodies, and litres of sweat being poured out in order to be ready, ready for this weekend. The light at the end of the tunnel is finally here for QWAFL players, all rumors and speculation can be put to bed, footy is back. Round 1 kicks off Saturday, and the months of hard work, preparation and planning will be rolled out for all to see.
Smaller, but potent
Palm Beach lost some tall timber over summer, and it meant they had to tweak the game plan. There were a few queries on how their forward line would function this year, but all doubts were cast aside on Saturday. Jackson Emblem and Nathan Carr provided dangerous options when the Lions went forward, being able to isolate themselves one on one with their defender. When you combine that with Jesse Derrick, who pushed forward from the middle, they looked dangerous on every single forward 50 entry against Broadbeach. Variety may be their strong suit this year.
Destination Melbourne
The Under 18 State Academy Squad will jump on the big bird and head down to Melbourne this weekend for their final tune up. They line-up against Victoria Country on Sunday, one of the biggest tests in representative footy. The boys will be keen to see how they stack up against some of the nations best, and make a statement ahead of their first TAC Cup game against Dandenong the following Saturday at Redland.
Game on
When Morningside went through the pre-season undefeated, a few pundits may have questioned if anyone would get close to them this season. That question was answered on the weekend. The Western Magpies may not have walked away with the four points, but they took it right up the to the reigning premier. They finished two points shy of the win, but sent a message to the rest of the competition. They are up for the fight in 2015, and Morningside wont have it their own way all year.
By Andrew Wiles
