Match of the round
Palm Beach Currumbin vs. Labrador. Live blog: https://aflq.com.au/palm-beach-currumbin-vs-labrador/
Collision course
Round 11’s match of the round, when looked at from every angle, has all the hallmarks of one for the history books. The Labrador Tigers continue on their undefeated run through the season, dispatching challengers so often it’s become second nature.
On the other hand, Palm Beach has shown at stages this season that they are capable of playing the type of footy required to beat the Tigers. On the weekend they’ll get their shot at the champs and a chance to prove they’re not in Labrador’s shadow.
Many pundits and QAFL supporters believe that it will be these two teams duking it out in the last game of the year, so perhaps this is a tasty preview of things to come.
The Lions need to win the game in the midfield if they’re to stand a chance, that’s where they have the most quality. The likes of the seemingly ‘untaggable’ Jason Burge, the silky Tyler Cornish and the miraculous Josh Woolley, need to play to the level they’re capable of and while doing so, shut down the Tigers midfield engine.
If decent supply starts reaching the Tigers forwards, you don’t need to be a brain surgeon to realize Bryce Retzlaff and Co. are going to kick goals.
The danger zone
There’s no denying Broadbeach has been on a fantastic run, leaving them third on the ladder with five wins. Round 11 means they’re set to take on Surfers Paradise, fresh of a 66-point victory over the Sandgate Hawks.
The Demons looked in ripping condition against the Hawks, playing with furious speed and managed to put together a big score without their main man in Daniel Green. The ‘Green Machine’ comes back into the lineup this week and will be hungry for some snags.
It looms as a danger game for Broadbeach, who shouldn’t take these young Surfers lightly, or risk being caught in a rip.
Under the microscope
Jakob De Winter had an interesting game last week against Mt Gravatt. While the Jack-in-a-box forward looked dangerous and was doing all the right things, it was just one of those days where he couldn’t seem to hit the scoreboard.
Look for one of the QAFL’s most exciting goal kickers to be back to his best this week when the Magpies take on the Hawks. The warning signs were there.
Rumble in the jungle
Panther and Gorilla will meet in an epic clash for jungle supremacy, which also happens to be the backdrop for Nathan Kinch’s 200th game.
The Panthers are back on track with a massive win last week, against second placed Palm Beach Currumbin and will be looking to make it two in a row.
Both Grange and Morningside, find themselves in a tight group of teams sitting on four wins as the finals approach and neither of these teams will want to be at the bottom of the list.
Gorillas skipper Steve Brittain has been named for the clash, which creates more of a challenge for the Panthers, as Grange become a completely different team when he plays.
Panther spearhead Alex Mitchell is due a big haul and this could be the one.
Coach’s corner
Given they have the bye, Mt Gravatt’s coach Troy Moncur took some time to provide some insight into this week’s games.
Although there is extra motivation for Palm Beach this week, ‘Monkey’ thinks Labrador still might have the edge.
“I think I just naturally lean toward Labrador. I mean, they’re unbeaten and the defending premiers. They just seem a bit untouchable at the moment,” said Monkey.
Given Broadbeach sit third on the ladder, some might think they’ll be too strong for eighth placed Surfers Paradise, but according to Moncur it could go either way.
“Whoever turns up, in what capacity, can win it,” said Monkey.
“It’s a flip of the coin.”
It’s a similar story with the upcoming Wilston Grange versus Morningside clash, though Monkey reckons Morningside might have a slight edge.
“It seems that Morninside are hitting some form lately, so they might be the team to beat,” he said.
Monkey finds it hard to see an upset happening in the Hawks versus Magpies contest, though stranger things have happened.
“You just never know,” said Moncur.
Team Lists
Palm Beach Currumbin vs Labrador
Download footy record: Lions vs Tigers Round 11
Surfers Paradise vs Broadbeach
Download footy record: Demons vs Cats Round 11
Morningside vs Gorillas
Download footy record: Panthers vs Gorillas Round 11
Western Magpies vs Sandgate
Download footy record: Magpies vs Hawks Round 11
By Sean Melrose
Follow @seanmelrose
