By Beth Newman
1. Ruck stocks rising
Athletic ruckmen have shown their stuff in the opening rounds of the QAFL. Vultures’ Wiley Buzza, Broadbeach’s Brayde Palmer and UQ’s Patty O’Shaughnessy showed their wares in the opening two rounds. It was Peter Mollison’s turn in the limelight on the weekend, as the 22 year-old dominated around the ground, playing a pivotal role. The competition’s young rucks are improving each week, and proving strong focal points for their sides.
2. Baby Magpies growing wings
They lost a lot of experience at the end of 2013, but the Magpies look to be on track for a better than expected season, early. They’ve been more than competitive in all their matches, and find themselves with a 2-1 record three rounds in, with the equal highest points tally to their name, with 323 from their opening matches. They have another winnable game against Mt Gravatt on Saturday, before a tough Round 5 test against Palm Beach.
3. Hit and miss
Goal kicking inaccuracy has been a point of discussion the AFL in recent times and it seems the QAFL is no different. Palm Beach kicked a return of 3.7 in the first quarter against Morningside on the weekend, Sandgate kicked 7.13 and the Demons had 4.8 first quarter. All of those sides could have been on the winning side of their matches with a better score, and each lamented some poor kicking. The sides who take their opportunities are the ones who will succeed.
4. Takes two to tango
There have been some tantalising one on one battles so far this weekend, none more so that Matt Dillon and Kent Abey at Jack Esplen Oval last weekend. In round two, Grange’s Matt Trewhella and Labrador’s Kurt Niklaus, went at it, providing a sensational spectacle for fans. It’s great to see some key forwards and defender fighting it out.
5. Not in Melbourne, but G it’s good.
It wasn’t 90,000 people at the MCG, but each QAFL crowd was hushed as the Last Post played. There were national anthems and a moment of silence to commemorate ANZAC day, and the significant sacrifice of many soldiers through history, and it was a special moment no matter where you were. Those moments can be few and far between these days, and the impact only grows each year.
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