Broadbeach has stormed through the year undefeated and it will take something very special to knock them off their perch on the last day of the season.
It’s no surprise Broadbeach coach Rohan Toll is feeling confident heading into the grand final on Sunday.
“I feel quite content. We have done really well this reason, (we) have played some of the best of footy that we can,” Toll said.
According to Kedron Lions coach Scott Peeler, however, the Lions are ready to challenge for the crown, fresh from a significant 84-point win over Pine Rivers.
“We are lucky because we have been carrying injuries for most of this year but this week we look like we are pretty strong,” Peeler said.
The Lions too, have had a strong season, only dropping two games to the team they’re about to take on for premiership glory. Bragging rights up to this point definetly belong to the Cats, who also beat the Lions in round two of the finals, to the tune of 44 points.
While the Cats could be considered favourites, the Lions are in possession of one of the best offensive weapons going around, in forward Julia Mafi. In an incredible 2017 season, Mafi has bagged an impressive 52 goals, more than any other footballer in South East Queensland female footy.
“She will be full forward this weekend and I hope she has a big game. But she does so much more than kick goals. She is really good at bringing the players in around her and I hope she can do that on Sunday,” said the Kedron coach.
When Mafi takes to the field in the grand final, she’ll be worthy of some serious attention from the Broadbeach defenders, who’ll need to be on full alert to stop the Lions spearhead.
A few goals behind Mafi on the overall table with 28 majors, is Broadbeach goal kicker Wendy Bristow. Bristow bagged three last time these two met, so the Lions will be all too familiar with her nous around goal.
“Wendy is a really good player and I know she will get score on the score board and have impact on Sunday’s game. But hers is just one name (on the) board. We are looking for everyone step up. I’m not asking anyone to do anything different but just to play their role,” coach Toll said.
Broadbeach will be looking for a repeat performance of their semi finals effort, but the Lions will have other plans, likely setting their sights on a performance more like their round nine outing, which saw them finish just 11 points short of the undefeated Cats.
“It is going to be a case of everyone (getting) up and about and winning their match ups. If we slack off anywhere they can hurt us,’ Peeler said.
While coach Toll has a little bit of a different concern on Sunday.
“I’m just worried about the traffic on the M1 due to the Bridge to Brisbane on Sunday,” said Toll.
Either way, bearing in mind the firepower at each end, this one could come down to a fierce midfield battle to gain first use of the footy. The side that can deliver enough supply to their forwards will put themselves in a position to walk away with the silverware.
The match kicks of at 10:45am Sunday at Leyshon Park Yeronga, ahead of the QWFA Division 1 and Bond University QWAFL Grand Finals
FULL WOMEN’S GRAND FINAL DAY DETAILS HERE
By Zoe Nilsen
