Caboolture vs Beenleigh
Caboolture and Beenleigh will face off on Saturday in what is being built as the battle of the challengers. Although Logan and Nambour have been dominate this year, these two sides have been the only two to beat or get close to them. The Buffaloes ended Nambour’s win streak earlier in the season, and the Lions have been equally competitive in every outing for the year. Last week they put together an incredible 54 scoring shots in their 200 point demolition of Griffith Moorooka. Mark Schmidt did the bulk of the damage on the day and kicked nine goals and was duly named best afield. Not to be outdone was Steele Draper who was just as influential in the front half of the ground and finished with four goals of his own. Beenleigh also managed to pile on the goals with over half their team featuring on the scorecard. Jacob Keil topped that list with five goals, while Matt Derrick continued his superb form and Mitch Fryer was named best on ground. This has the makings of one of the most exciting games of the year and will go a long way to shaping the contenders for the premiership.
Last time they met:
11.11-77 Beenleigh def. by Caboolture 15.15-105
Calamvale vs Griffith Moorooka
Calamvale will be full of confidence heading into this week’s match against Griffith following their upset win over Coomera. The Leopards have nothing to lose in the latter stages of the year and managed to knock of the Magpies who are fighting for a spot in the final five. Danny Morgan was best on ground in a stellar effort and was closely followed by Justin Beh who kicked four goals. The return to form of Alan Flower was the most encouraging sign for Calamvale, as he piled on a bag of seven goals for his best return in a month and a half. Griffith Moorooka’s season couldn’t end soon enough after their outing last week against Caboolture. The heavy 200 point loss was compounded by the fact they were only able to put on one goal for the day. Barry Morris and Reece Denne tried hard despite the odds, but there isn’t a great deal to be taken out of the performance. The endeavour shown by Calamvale last week was more than enough to match it with the majority of sides in the competition. Unfortunately for Griffith, this may mean another blowout.
Last time they met:
7.10-52 Griffith Moorooka def. by Calamvale 23.10-148
Coomera vs Redcliffe
Coomera will be up against Redcliffe in what is probably the biggest game of the round. With only one game separating the two sides on the ladder, a win here will give either side fifth spot on the ladder heading into the last round. If Redcliffe win, the Magpies will not be part of finals football this year. If the Magpies win this week and next week, they will book their spot in the top five. Coomera have their backs against the wall, and that is where some of the best football is played. Their loss to Calamvale last week has made the run difficult, but not impossible. The likes of Tom Clough, Jamie Cootes and Aaron Talbot have all been prominent throughout the year, but this week is the week when they all will need to fire. The Tigers were trounced by 13 goals last week against Logan. Their confidence will have taken a battering from that effort and that will need to be a factor that Coomera takes advantage of if they are to come away with the valuable four points this week.
Last time they met:
14.14-98 Redcliffe def. Coomera 10.10-70
UQ Red Lions 2 vs Ipswich
The Red Lions will play against Ipswich at Griffith University’s Nathan campus on Saturday. Both sides had significant losses in round 16, with UQ going down by 80 and Ipswich by 103. These two results shouldn’t have any bearing on this week’s match as both teams are well and truly out of the finals race. This will be a test of character to see who can close the year out on a high note. The last time the two sides met, Ipswich had a solid victory. Their form hasn’t been as promising since then, however, as the Eagles have only won the one game in the past two months. Matt Gordon and Michael Podolak have been two solid contributors in recent weeks and they will again need to be on to come away with a much needed win. For the Red Lions, Dan Lutton has been prolific this year, as has Sean Westerhuis. If these two are on their game UQ could go a long way to winning this one.
Last time they met:
15.14-104 Ipswich def. UQ Redlions 2 8.10-58
Logan City vs Nambour & Hinterland
Logan will be hoping for some payback against Nambour at home this week as both sides fight for the minor premiership in the second last round of the year. The script could not have been written any better. Both sides only have the one loss for the season and have been almost invincible throughout the year. In their last outing, Logan fell short by a goal in what was the most exciting game of the year. Since then Beenleigh managed to upset Nambour and knock them off their perch at the top of the ladder. The Cobras haven’t moved and have instead been dishing out some heavy punishment to any side that has crossed them. Last week was no different as they beat fifth placed Redcliffe by 78 points. Sam Moran was best on ground and had six goals in his finest game for the year. He was well supported by Dylan Witney, Rod Shaw and Sonny Allard. Nambour also had a comfortable victory against Ipswich, putting on 13 goals in the second half to win by 80 points. Simon Pickering had another good day out with six goals, and Ben Stanley was brilliant with five majors of his own. Chris Abraham was best on ground for the third time this year and is firming as a contender for the league medal. With so much on the line this game could go either way. The trip to Logan could derail Nambour in the first quarter, but they have enough winners around the ground to bounce back. This will be a game of four quarters and there is no doubt it will go down to the wire again.
Last time they met:
10.14-74 Nambour & Hinterland def. Logan City 10.8-68
