Image: Brad Anderson
Four of last year's finalists face each other while undefeated Surfers Paradise have a break for TPIL Lawyers QAFL Round Three. All matches are on Saturday starting at 2pm.
REDLAND-VICTORIA POINT v MORNINGSIDE 2pm Totally Workwear Park
Redland-Victoria Point have the recent winning record over Morningside with victories at the end of last season in Round 18 and in the Preliminary Final both at this venue. The common factor in those wins is key Sharks forward Matt Hammelmann who kicked nine and seven goals respectively.
In the Preliminary Final, the teams were close at half-time before RVP took over in the third quarter and three majors from the leading full forward in the final term put the Sharks through to the grand final and eventually the premiership.
No doubt Morningside will have marked this one on the calendar, as Surfers Paradise did in Round One, where the Demons were able to restrict RVP’s attacking threats and their own midfield did a lot of the damage. Of course, the Panthers saw Surfers at close range last week losing by 19 points but would have been encouraged by taking the points in the opening round against another finalist from last year in Palm Beach Currumbin.
A tough start for the Panthers in readiness for this match, but a chance to go 2-1 after three games against quality opposition should be a motivating factor. McDonagh, Rolls and Hobley will be working with Will Wolbers for the first time whilst the Sharks Craig Malone will be looking to interrupt them and create a feeding frenzy for his own teammates from the stoppage. Should be a cracker!
LABRADOR v PALM BEACH CURRUMBIN 2PM Cooke-Murphy Oval
(Commentary Match)
Labrador have started the season with two wins but face a stiffer test here against Palm Beach Currumbin who returned to their crushing best last week with a big win over Mt. Gravatt. The Lions bounced back following their opening round loss to finals contenders Morningside. The PBC playmakers such as Tom Simpson, AJ Dawson, Liam O’Brien, Rhys King, etc… will need to be closely guarded as that quartet racked up over 120 possessions last week.
Jack Exell has slotted into the defense seamlessly. These two teams only met once early in 2025 where PBC were too strong and Levi Casboult booted six goals. Labrador have had two come from behind victories so far this season following slow starts against Broadbeach and Aspley. However, the Tigers fighting spirit can never be questioned and derived a great deal of confidence to finish off those matches so well.
No doubt coach Chris Rourke has instilled some extra toughness required to take on the higher rated clubs and to take that extra step. Justin Krok returns, Fyfe is always a threat and with a wave of 6-footers running through the midfield should ensure a great contest here.
NOOSA v WILSTON GRANGE 2pm Rococo Oval
Another interesting match-up here with the Noosa Tigers at fifty percent after two rounds and Wilston Grange playing their first match last week in a high scoring loss against Maroochydore. Noosa worked hard for a win at home in week one over Coorparoo then fell just short in a thriller against Broadbeach (away) after grabbing a 14-point lead in the final term. No doubt lessons will have been learnt from the final term but they must be encouraged by the early form of a number of key arrivals including Sam Tilley, Billy Shanks and forwards Hunter Lewis and Enrique Mazzeo.
The Gorillas showed they can score well with sixteen goals kicked last week which would win most games. There should be improvement to come especially having to wait till after Easter to begin their season, but Noosa realise they need to capitalise on their home ground advantage at every opportunity. Both these teams were in the fight for the bottom half of the final eight in 2025, having some encouraging wins but surprise losses so this is a potential 'eight-point' match for both clubs.
In the remaining matches SHERWOOD have a second consecutive home game where they host a plucky BROADBEACH at Powenyenna Oval. After a slow start against the reigning premier Redland-Victoria Point last week, the Magpies acquitted themselves well keeping pace with 10 goals each for the remainder but the damage had been done. The loss to the Vultures in the opening round would still be lingering so Sherwood will be desperate to break through here. On the other hand Broadbeach took Labrador down to the wire in round one and overcame Noosa in a gutsy win last week. If the Cats are to keep improving, a win here would be another confidence booster.
COORPAROO are home at Giffin Park for the first time this season where they host the winless ASPLEY. The Kings had the bye last week so will be fresh for this contest following a narrow loss to Noosa in Round One. The Hornets after well-documented changes to their roster are still finding their feet with losses to undefeated Maroochydore and Labrador last week after leading at half-time. An opportunity to record a win awaits for both clubs.
All conquering and ladder leaders MAROOCHYDORE can remain in that position if they beat MT GRAVATT at Southside Toyota Oval. The Roos forward line has started in potent fashion with Hugo Papst, Aaron Wilson and Koby Young combining for 23 goals in just two weeks while Matthew Gaul and Benjamin Thomas are creating plenty of drive. The Vultures broke the long losing drought in round one over Sherwood, but were bounced back to reality last week against the powerful Palm Beach Currumbin. A home venue will help as they look for continued signs of improvement as a team, with Fletcher Clare, Karl Petri and ‘Leo’ Lemana-Pakau leading the way.
SURFERS PARADISE following two big wins over finalists from last year take a well-earned rest although a couple of their players may be called up for VFL duties. The Demons are back in action in an exciting Gold Coast derby clash against Labrador at Benowa next week.