Coorparoo Kings vs Red Lions Giffin Park
The Coorparoo Kings will take on the UQ Red Lions at Giffin Park on Saturday in what should be an interesting insight to this year’s finals series. The Red Lions sit atop the ladder after 15 rounds and are two games clear of Caloundra. The Kings are a further two games back in third spot, but their form in the second half of the year has justified their position as a flag favourite. Last week they were able to get over Kenmore by 35 points. Although the loss of Shane Morrison has left a hole in their forward line, almost half the team were able to get on the scoreboard. Adam Minchev kicked three goals, as did Cam Allen who was particularly lively throughout the win. UQ went into last week’s game as overwhelming favourites, but Wynnum got the jump in the first half and the Red Lions went into the main break down by four goals. Enter Hugh Millikan. The powerful forward dominated in the second half and helped UQ put on nine goals in the fourth quarter to win the game and finish with nine majors next to his name.
The best on ground effort has all but won him the competition goal kicking title with 65 so far. Unfortunately for Coorparoo there are plenty of contributors in UQ’s forward half and their ability to lockdown on these key targets will be where this game is won and lost.
Last time they met:
18.4-112 Red Lions def. Coorparoo Kings 16.11-107
Alexandra Hills vs Kenmore Keith Surridge Oval
Alexandra Hills will take on Kenmore at Keith Surridge Oval on Saturday as they fight to stay in the top five. In what has been a disastrous month for the Bombers, only a month and a half ago they were sitting equal top of the ladder. With only one win in six games, they’re dramatic slide has now left them with a realistic possibility of missing the finals. Fortunately for them Kenmore have also been having a rough trot of late. The Bears have also gone a month without a win and will be keen to take advantage of the Bombers’ recent performances. In their most recent match against Coorparoo, Kenmore were outplayed through the middle of the ground and lost by six goals. Skipper Tim Plummer was influential and put on six majors, but it was not enough to inspire his side to victory. The Bombers faced Yeronga and had the opportunity to keep some breathing room between themselves and the rest of the competition. It wasn’t to be, however, as the Devils simply outclassed Alex Hills by 28 points. Ash Templar and Clayton Baird were solid in front of goal with three each, as were Jake Evans and Jordan Riley with two apiece. With plenty to play for, this will definitely be a test of character for the Bombers.
Last time they met:
10.7-67 Kenmore def. by Alexandra Hills 16.11-107
Wynnum vs Yeronga Sth Brisbane Kianawah Road
With both teams needing the four points this week to improve their finals chances, Wynnum and Yeronga have plenty to play for at Kianawah Road on Saturday. The Devils were able to leapfrog Alexandra Hills and place themselves inside the top four on percentage. If they are to remain there, or have serious ambitions at making a move on the top three, a win this week is necessary. Their five goal win last round has continued their good form at the business end of the year. Matt Brown and Chris Glenn have both have been lively in front of goal over the past month and this continued on the weekend as they booted eight goals between them. Chris D’Astoli was a standout in his best game of the year, while Brad O’Brien and Matt Lockyer bobbed up with useful contributions. The Vikings faced the UQ Red Lions in round 15 and had the better of them in the first half. Had it not been for the errant kicking in front of goal, Wynnum could have buried UQ before half time. The 18 behinds for the game proved to be costly, however, as the Red Lions came back with a bang and put nine goals in the last quarter to win by 45 points. In what was a disappointing result, the Vikings can take plenty of confidence out of the match knowing that they tested the best side in the competition for three quarters. Yeronga will need to be weary of what Wynnum can produce and pay special attention to some of the influential ball users running through Vikings midfield.
Last time they met:
12.7-79 Yeronga Sth Brisbane def. by Wynnum 14.18-102
Robina vs Kedron Scottsdale Drive
Robina were the big movers over the competition in the past week, and they will be looking to continue that trend against the side that replaced them on the bottom of the ladder. Now sitting in seventh position, the Roos are only three wins away from the top five. Robina were beaten out of the gate against Aspley last week and had 48 points kicked against them in the first quarter. They chipped away at the lead and overran the Hornets in the last quarter and finished with a six point victory. Jordan Miller showed plenty of composure and skill in the tricky conditions to be named best on ground. Ryan Weterings proved to be a handful up forward and finished the day with four goals. Kedron were on the wrong side of a 106 point touch up at the hands of Caloundra last week. The Lions backline will have some serious questions asked of them this week after allowing Caloundra to pile on 10 goals in the final quarter. Utility Alex Craft was the best in the heavy defeat, as were the ultra consistent pairing of Dan Duffield and Lee Fazackerley. Kedron were able to dish out a convincing win the last time these two met, but it would be tough to see that happening again. If recent form and the big road trip have anything to do with the outcome, this could be a one sided affair.
Last time they met:
22.14-146 Kedron def. Robina 4.13-37
Hornets vs Caloundra
Caloundra will travel down the highway to the northside of Brisbane for the second consecutive week as they take on Aspley at Graham Road on Sunday. The Panthers are coming off a big win against Kedron last round but are now two wins away from the top spot on the ladder. Although the minor premiership may now be out of reach, Caloundra will want to hit their straps as the regular season comes to an end. The 106 point win last week was an impressive performance, especially by Matt Kelly who was best on ground and kicked two goals. Quinten Ross kicked his biggest bag of the year and finished with six goals in the comprehensive victory. The ex-Zillmere contingent of Jake Weller, Shaun Clarke and Joel Peterson-Morley all worked hard to create opportunities up field and put on plenty of scoreboard pressure in the second half. The Hornets blew a massive first quarter lead against Robina last week to lose by a goal in the final minutes of the game. Wind and rain made for tough conditions, but the Hornets were unable to repeat their success against the Roos in round six. Scott Winter was prominent up forward in his first game, booting four goals in an impressive debut. Richard Harrison was dangerous around the ground, as was skipper Steve Jackson and ruckman Shane Kabel. The Hornets were unable to match the Caloundra tall’s in their last game in round seven and could be in for a tough one again if the Panther’s key position players are firing.
Last time they met:
20.18-138 Caloundra def. Hornets 5.9-39
