By Harry Krebs
Queenslanders in QClash 7
It’s interesting to know where AFL players started out, when they first put on a mouthguard or kicked their first goal.
There aren’t as many Queenslanders in the AFL compared to players from other states, but our local talent know how to put on a show.
QClash 7 will prove this.
Both teams have shown plenty of guts so far this season, and Metricon Stadium will likely be ablaze when the Gold Coast SUNS play as warm derby favourites for the first time.
Before we predict the plays of the game, let’s have a look at both squads to see which Queenslanders are likely to get a run.
Brisbane Lions:
Daniel Merrett:
Daniel Merrett is a Footy warhorse in the back half, but is known to kick a goal in the forward when needed.
He made his debut for the Lions in 2002 when he was recruited from the Southport Sharks.
Keep an eye on him and expect to see his trademark spoils to shut down vital plays, and long handballs to free up the game.
Dayne Zorko:
Dayne Zorko may be the game changer for the Brisbane Lions.
The quick and courageous midfielder will have his work cut out for him when he runs in close quarters with the infamous Gary Ablett.
Zorko dominated the NEAFL as a Broadbeach Cat for a number of years, before being picked up by the Brisbane Lions in 2012.
Gold Coast Suns:
Clay Cameron:
Clay Cameron is a newbie to AFL senior ranks and showed promising signs against Fremantle last week as a defender.
He was recruited from the Mt. Gravatt Vultures in the NEAFL.
His attention to detail and speed will pose a problem to key Lions’ Forwards.
Charlie Dixon:
Charlie Dixon has been with the Gold Coast SUNS from the word go, kicking the team’s first goal against Carlton in 2011.
The former Redland Bomber is a key tall forward, but he will be flat-strapped against a solid Lions’ defence.
Jarrod Harbrow:
Born in tropical Cairns, Jarrod Harbrow has kept the Gold Coast SUNS’ midfield churning since the club started in 2011.
The ex-Western Bulldog will need to be on his game against stellar Lions’ midfielders like Jed Adcock and Tom Rockliff.
Rory Thompson:
Rory Thompson was a star for the Gold Coast SUNS in 2013 when he proved to the Footy world that he is a quality full back.
Last week Thompson backed it up with a solid performance against Fremantle.
Bouncing back from an off-season hip operation and a bout of gastro, the ex-Southport Shark will play a pivotal role in QClash 7.
My prediction:
The SUNS will take it to the Lions early on and, with a speedier team, should get around with quick ball movements to attack the Lions’ forward fifty and take them by surprise.
The game will be messy as these two teams are tackling machines, with the SUNS ranked third this year and the Lions ranked sixth.
Gold Coast SUNS by 4 points.
