By Abby Collins
In a nail-biting display of skill and determination, the Morningside Panthers triumphed over the Redland Victoria Point Sharks in this year’s big dance, clinching victory by a mere five points.
The Grand Final attendance was impressive from both sides as each team ensured their supporters were heard at Brighton Homes Arena during Sunday’s match-up.
The final score of 9.12 (66) to 8.13 (61) reflects a game that was as thrilling as it was hard-fought.
The Panthers kicked off the match with an explosive start, scoring the first goal through a seamless run-and-gun transition from their back half.
Matthew Waters quickly followed up with a second major, setting the tone for Morningside’s aggressive approach.
The Sharks, known for their solid defensive setup, responded with expert spoils and pressure, making it difficult for either team to find their rhythm in the forward 50s.
Ethan Petterwood was a fan favourite as he made his presence known through the midfield from the very beginning.
Despite Redland Victoria Point dominating possession towards the end of the quarter, Morningside walked into the break with a slight lead, only lowered by Matt Hammelmann’s timely goal for the Sharks in the final minutes.
As the second quarter unfolded, Jacob Lohmann emerged as a key player for the Panthers, scoring early and helping to establish a commanding presence in midfield.
The Panthers capitalised on their momentum, with Garrett McDonagh and Jake Godwin each adding to the scoreboard.
The efficiency of Morningside in their forward 50 contrasted sharply with the Sharks’ struggles to convert their opportunities despite having a higher intercept mark rate and dominance over possession.
Clay Cameron managed to pull one back for Redland Victoria Point, but by halftime, Morningside held a 12-point advantage.
The third quarter saw Morningside maintain their lead but not without intense pressure from the Sharks.
Redland Victoria Point began to claw back into contention as they focused on reclaiming possession.
With only three goals scored in this quarter, Jacob Lohmann and Jake Godwin each added another major for Morningside while Clay Cameron scored his second for Redland Victoria Point after the three-quarter time siren.
The defensive units from both teams were exceptional, resulting in minimal scoring opportunities.
Morningside had extended their lead to 20 points at the final break.
In a dramatic fourth quarter reminiscent of their previous comeback efforts, Redland Victoria Point surged forward with renewed vigour.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain the hunt began in full force, with Morningside just barely holding on.
Matt Thomson’s switch from defence to small forward paid off as he scored early in the quarter.
Daniel Annable added another goal shortly after, igniting hope for the Sharks.
Redland Victoria Point made a strategic switch in the last half of the final quarter: Dylan Smith moved down back while Adrian Williams shifted forward to better spread defence.
This adjustment came just as the Sharks began to threaten, closing in on the Panthers’ lead.
Despite their efforts and additional goals from Joshua Brown and Matt Hammelmann, Morningside’s defence held firm under pressure.
Jake Godwin managed to score one more for the Panthers, ensuring they maintained just enough of a buffer to secure victory as the final buzzer echoed across the ground.
The thrilling conclusion of this match not only highlights Morningside’s resilience but also showcased the fighting spirit of the Sharks.
With this hard-fought victory in the Grand Final, the Panthers have solidified their status as a formidable force in the league, claiming their 11th QAFL Premiership win.
Morningside 2.2 6.5 8.8 9.12 (66)
Redland Victoria Point 1.4 3.11 4.12 8.13 (61)
Goals
Morningside Godwin 3, Lohmann 2, Waters 2, Horne, Mcdonagh
Redland Victoria Point Cameron 2, Hammelmann 2, Annable, Brown, McDowell-White, Thomson
Best Players
Morningside Tommy Horne, Garrett Mcdonagh, Dylan Swann, Jacob Lohmann, Jake Godwin, Max Nelson
Redland Victoria Point Luke O’Sullivan, Daniel Annable, Nathan Smith, Darryl McDowell-White, Tyler Hausfeld, Harrison Hunkin
