Hawks go for 3 in a Row.

by Jack Barry

Standing in their way of a dream three peats for the Hawks is Surfers Paradise.  

Both clubs have a wonderful blend of youth and experience thrown in with a couple of wonderful caricatures that represent this competition.

With the win during the finals Surfers go into the game as slight favourites but they know they will have to play it right to the end with the Hawks having the recent Grand Final experience. 

Sandgate are led by Captain-Coach Simon Cannan who has kicked 36 goals this season second only to Full Forward Aaron Widt who tops the table so far with 72. This gives them plenty of scoring power and will be closely monitored by the Demons defence.

With Clinton Sheppard, Michael Affleck and Seb Plant all having consistent years and the influx of talented youngsters led by 17 year olds Sam Gribble and Aden Rutledge the Hawks have a good mix.

“Yes we have been happy with the spread of talent we have introduced this year and the boys are working well together at the right time of the year” said President Graham Adams. 

Surfers Paradise have spread their scoring amongst the group led by club stalwart Jay Suban (37) and Chris Mitchell (32).

The Demons will be looking for big games from Chris Kranz, Chris Mitchell, Cam Stewart Mark Thomson and Matthew Skrinnis.

Football Manager Terry Atkinson said” we have blooded a lot of good kids this year and this is a good group who will represent the club well”.

These games are always full of passion but it will be the team that settles well, share the workload and use the ball to advantage. Maintaining possession will be paramount as will the directions by the coaching staff.

Both coaches will want their players to win the contested ball but remain disciplined. Many teams have fallen short in Grand Finals by taking their focus of the ball.  

The game will start at 11.45am at Hickey Park.