Photo by Highflyer Images
SHERWOOD (7TH) v MORNINGSIDE (6TH) @ POWENYENNA OVAL
Probably the most interesting match of the day with these rivals so closely matched on the ladder. The young Magpies have not tasted September football for a few years and a stern home test against the reigning premier will be a key indicator to their final’s chances. MORNINGSIDE prepared for this contest with a hard-fought win at home over Surfers Paradise, but the trip to Powenyenna Oval will not be an easy one. The Panthers will be eager to keep their younger opponents below them on the ladder.
LABRADOR (11TH) v ASPLEY (3RD) @ COOKE-MURPHY OVAL
Following their comfortable win over Coorparoo last week, the Tigers will relish having a second consecutive week at home but face a tougher task against third placed Aspley. The Hornets toppled a red-hot Redland Victoria Point off their top perch in Round Seven and will have to travel again to keep their winning run going. The Stackelberg brothers Connor and Cody had a day out last week with the former continuing his brilliant form in front of goal with five majors, totalling 29 for the season. The Tigers are always hard to beat on their home turf and their team defence will be out to nullify both the avenues to goal and Aspley’s clearance work around the stoppages.
REDLAND-VICTORIA POINT(2ND) v BROADBEACH (12TH) @ TOTALLY WORKWEAR PARK
Redland-Victoria Point will be smarting over their loss to key rival Aspley last week, costing them top spot on the ladder. Allowing 13 opposition goals in the first half will be on the mind of the coaches as they look to restore order against the Cats. The return of Matt Hammelmann will strengthen their front half. Broadbeach though have had their own dramas during the week parting ways with senior coach Danny Nolan following just one win for the season to date. However, that was over the reigning premier Morningside in a low scoring affair in round three. Interim coach Lewis Chiodo will be determined to instill a positive response from the Cats if they are to trouble the Sharks.
In the remaining games, SURFERS PARADISE (4th) host COORPAROO (9th) at Sir Bruce Small Park (Kallibr Homes Oval) and will be looking to return to the winners list following the narrow loss to Morningside last week. Whilst Coorparoo return to the coast for the second time in two weeks will be out to make their presence felt.
The task for MT.GRAVATT (13th) does not get easier as they face another top eight contender in NOOSA (5th) even though they are back at home, Southside Toyota Oval. The Vultures came close to winning their first game for the season back in round five against Coorparoo, however, the last two weeks have seen them struggle against stronger competition. NOOSA have been mixing their form (a little) but with the return of Daniel Rich alongside Conn and Gaul, opportunity arises to consolidate a well-placed ladder position over their lowly ranked rivals.
On the Sunshine Coast, MAROOCHYDORE (8th) are coming off a big loss at Palm Beach Currumbin and WILSTON GRANGE (10th) will be boosted by recording their second win to the tune of 140 points. WILSTON GRANGE came out refreshed last week after a bye in round six to have the percentage boosting win. However, on home turf at the multi sports complex the Roos will be favoured going into this clash.
Following their healthy victory last week, new ladder leaders PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN will enjoy the weekend off. However, a few of the Lions staff may travel to LABRADOR as all eyes will be on next week when they take on ASPLEY in what will be shaping as a top of the ladder clash.
Former Carlton and Gold Coast SUNS forward Levi Casboult, who currently sits second on the Ray Hughson Medal goalkicking tally with 20, will then be looking forward to doing battle at opposite ends with current leader Connor Stackelberg (29).