Following last weekend’s successful state representative victories, it is back to business for the regular competitions with finals places still up for grabs.
LABRADOR (7th) V WILSTON GRANGE (8th) COOKE-MURPHY OVAL
Wilston Grange went into the competition bye on a high after beating highly ranked Redland-Victoria Point and will be out to continue that form and keep their finals hopes alive in this vital clash. At their earlier meeting in round five, Labrador were largely in control for most of the game. However, in the last quarter the Gorillas got within a point, before the Tigers steadied with two late goals to win by 14 points.
Labrador will be pleased they decided to use last week to play for full points as they overcame a tight contest to break away from Broadbeach in the second half to secure the valuable four points.
The Tigers surprisingly struggled early at their favoured home base losing their first two matches at Cooke-Murphy Oval but have won four out of their last five there. The only recent loss being to RVP so perhaps that is a form line to give the Gorillas some confidence heading down the M1.
Therefore, a lot hinges on the result of this clash. The Grange may drop out of the eight if they lose, and do not want Labrador to be two games in front of them.
A Tigers win though entrenches them within the eight, but a loss opens the door.
PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN (1st) V ASPLEY (5th) STALAGMITE (SALK) OVAL
These two sides met only recently in round nine at Graham Road when PBC easily defeated ASPLEY by 41 points and in the process restricted the home team to a solitary goal by half-time.
The Lions have only lost one game for the season (R4 v RVP) and have been enjoying life at the top of the ladder over the past few weeks. A win here can virtually sew up a top two finish.
There is so much to look forward to in this clash with members of both sides who were teammates last week in Tasmania.
PBC have a formidable midfield including Tom Simpson and Rhys King who represented Queensland so well, plus Harry Benson who currently sits third on overall disposals list.
Then there is a forward line led by former AFL player Levi Casboult – currently second on the goalkicking tally and ably supported by players such as Sam Cilmi and Corey Beaman.
Aspley’s form has been a little indifferent with their previous visit to the Gold Coast resulting in a loss to Labrador. However, on their day the Hornets have a threatening midfield and a star full-forward in their own right.
Experienced players like Tom Templeton, Leo Connolly, and co-captains Jordon Arnold & Brandon Batchelor are always ably supported by Cody Stackelberg, Ryan Banks-Smith and Coen Harker with the latter pair also representing the state last week and having a close look at their midfield rivals.
The real highlight though will be at opposite ends of the ground. The leader in the Ray Hughson Medal Connor Stackelberg, who booted 13 goals in his previous game and had last weekend off, will be aiming to score more than his rival in Casboult to maintain his lead.
Aspley are desperate to return to the top four and will be looking to regain the form that saw them defeat RVP away in round seven.
REDLAND VICTORIA POINT (2nd) V SURFERS PARADISE (4th)
Another two teams in a top four battle that had significant state representation last week. The Shark’s had four players including star full-forward Matt Hammelmann who kicked four against Tassie, Clay Cameron, Dylan Smith and Charlton Offermans.
While The Demons had Zane Taylor Medallist Cam Ellis-Yolmen who was at his influential best and the busy Ben Woodburn who was also a significant player last week.
Since the surprising loss at home to Broadbeach in round 11, the Demons have bounced back with two comfortable victories, so this is an early finals test for them and RVP at home is always a challenge.
In the other matches which may have a bearing on the final eight Noosa after only a few weeks ago were fifth have slipped to ninth on percentage with Wilston Grange. The Tigers head to Brisbane and need to recapture that early season form to beat Coorparoo (12th) at Giffin Park to get back on track.
By the same token the Kings almost upset Aspley last month, so another interesting clash awaits with finals implications.
Maroochydore (6th) will be aiming to solidify their finals credentials when they host Sherwood (10th) at the Multi Sports Complex. The Roos are right behind Aspley and if the Hornets slip up on the Gold Coast, they can replace them on percentage if a substantial win is recorded here.
However, the Magpies are only one game outside the eight so a win away is crucial to remain in contention for September action.
In the final match of the round, Mt Gravatt face a tough task in hosting the defending premiers Morningside (3rd).
In a quirk of the draw Broadbeach (11th) will have their second bye in a month. Following last week’s loss to Labrador, this round will see them potentially lose ground to finals bound teams. There is still time for the Cats and they will be keen to return next week to keep their finals hopes alive.