QFA (South) Seniors – Coorparoo v Burleigh
Coorparoo have atoned for their semi-final defeat to Springwood, by setting up a rematch following a nail-biting four-point win over Burleigh.
The Bombers had qualified for the Preliminary Final on the back of underdog victories against Yeronga and Kenmore, coming from fifth spot, and were desperately unlucky following a courageous effort against the minor premiers.
Coorparoo have now set a date with Springwood to decide the premiership, two teams who are yet to play a game won by more than a goal this season.
Coorparoo’s Mitchell Enright and Matthew Ness were arguably two of the best on the ground upfront, kicking five and three apiece, combining with Chris Cant who kicked four. Ben Gibson and Josh Lake were resolute in defence, the latter making a number of crucial smothers.
For the Bombers, AJ Dawson ran well all day, as Terry Knight kicked four goals. Brayden Crossley played a superb second half, one of five multiple goal kickers for Burleigh.
The Bombers got off to a flyer kicking the first two goals, before Coorparoo responded with two of their own. Both teams traded a pair of goals before a late goal to League leading goal-kicker Chris Cant gave the Kings a slight edge at quarter time.
Burleigh again kicked the first two goals of the quarter and, quickly extinguishing the Kings quarter-time advantage.
The Kings hit back with three goals in five minutes. Mitchell Enright and Joseph Taranto both kicked their second and Matthew Ness kicking his third in a standout first-half performance.
Nathan Sullivan stemmed the tide with his second goal for the Bombers, trimming the Kings lead to two points at the main break.
Leigh Warner kicked his second early in the second-half to again give Burleigh an early lead. Chris Cant demonstrated his potency, kicking two in quick succession to extend the Kings’ lead to 15 points.
Neither side seemed capable of building a comfortable lead, and the Bombers hit back with three goals to close the gap to three points just shy of half-time.
An already thrilling affair kicked up a notch when Mitchell Enright rose to the clouds to take an incredible mark, before playing on and kicking his fourth.
A game that had seen 26 goals to three-quarter time, only saw four kicked in a nerve-racking final term. Third and fourth majors for Bombers’ Terry Knight either side of Mitchell Enright’s fifth had the Bombers trailing by seven points.
Brayden Crossley’s second goal closed the margin to a single point as the game entered time on.
In the end, an experienced Kings side managed to withstand immense pressure from a valiant Bombers side to hold on for a well-deserved win.
QFA (South) Reserves – Burleigh v Coorparoo
Minor premiers Burleigh have eclipsed an inaccurate Coorparoo side by 10 points to advance to next weekend’s Grand Final.
The win comes on the back of a disappointing semi-final defeat to Robina, who the Bombers now meet in the decider.
The Bombers entered the match as favourites after winning the teams’ last meeting by 82 points, but were given a stern test by a youthful and Coorparoo side, who on the balance of play, deserved more. The Kings will rue missed opportunities kicking just six majors from 26 scoring shots.
Samuel Heavyside and Dayne Seckold kicked five between them for the Bombers, including a couple of vital goals each at the start of the third and fourth quarters. Tori Rachiele was the Bombers’ best, with strong contributions form Dean Martin and Michael Sowter.
Coorparoo’s youth in defence shone through on a rough day for their forwards. James Lynne and Matt Hulme amongst the best as the Kings had six goal kickers all kicking one apiece.
The Kings started the better of the teams, kicking the first goal and dominating territory. The Bombers ended the quarter with two late goals, and were lucky to trail by just two points at quarter time.
Burleigh’s Ricky Lions kicked the only major of the second term, as both sides goal kicking was evidently well below par. The Bombers half-time lead of five points was largely contributed to Coorparoo’s poor goal-kicking, managing just 1.12.18 for the first half.
The Bomber’s quickly shot out to a quick lead early in the third with goals to Samuel Heavyside and Dayne Seckold. The margin extended out to 26 points entering time-on before three late Coorparoo goals ensured a grandstand final quarter.
Once again, early goals to Heavyside and Seckold extended Burleigh’s lead to an ultimately unassailable margin for the Kings. A solitary last quarter goal for League leading goal-kicker Tyson Spurling proved insufficient for Coorparoo.
By Aaron Cooper
