Mt Gravatt have plenty of motivation to go with their momentum as they attack the final month of the QAFL season.
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Mt Gravatt will take some added inspiration into Saturday’s huge clash with Morningside at Dittmer Park and through the remainder of the QAFL season following the passing of popular clubman Ferg Reid last week.
Reid, a Mt Gravatt junior and reserves player who was headed for senior selection before being beset by bowel cancer, fought a brave battle against the illness and more than 600 people attended his funeral last Friday.
He was cremated in his favourite Mt Gravatt top and Vultures coach David Lake said the blue and white football family would continue to bond together in Reid’s memory.
“The Reid family have been amazing through all this and I’m sure it will stiffen our resolve,” Lake told The Southern Star newspaper.
Mt Gravatt face a near full strength Morningside combination that toppled Southport in their last outing and the stakes are high for both clubs on Saturday.
The Vultures will keep in touch with the NT Thunder in the battle for a home final if they win, while Morningside need to keep winning to give themselves a chance of finishing minor premier.
“We found last year that momentum is a wonderful thing,” Lake said of his side’s current three-match winning streak.
Two youngsters who have stood up in recent weeks have been former Mt Gravatt juniors Rhys Estall and midfielder Damien Steven.
Estall, now 20, has taken time to develop since being one of the better players in the Vultures’ under 18 premiership win several years ago, but will be an important player in the absence of the injured Shane Morison, who will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a shoulder problem.
“He is a likeable character and he’s really starting to develop,” Lake said of Estall, who was one of the players to deliver a eulogy at close friend Reid’s funeral service.
Steven has added plenty to the Mt Gravatt midfield since being overlooked by the Gold Coast Suns for higher honours last month.
“Their loss is our gain,” said Lake. “The emotional side of the game should never be underestimated and he has been made to feel like he belongs to a club here.”
