Caboolture will host Ipswich in the opening game of round nine in the State Association division two on Saturday. Both sides are coming off encouraging wins last week, but it is the Lions home ground advantage and superior ladder positioning that will see them head into this one as favourites. Josh Moyle was dangerous in their win against Beenleigh finishing with three goals, while the impressive Michael Matthews has continued his brilliant run of late. The Eagles beat cellar dwellers UQ by 8 goals, with Nathan Macklin and Tayne Pilsbury named among the best, as well as booting seven majors between them.
Calamvale and their imposing forward Alan Flower will be up against the flag favourites Nambour at Calamvale College on Saturday. While only eight games in, Flower has kicked 45 goals to lead the competition by a considerable margin. He finished with eight last week in their 98 point drubbing of Griffith and is sure to be useful again. Joel Meddings was best on ground for the day and will again need to be dangerous. Nambour were able to come back and beat Logan last week, securing their spot as undefeated ladder leaders. Shaun Guthrie and Chris Schultz were the difference in the hard fought battle, while Glenn Bauer was able to kick three crucial goals at different stages.
Beenleigh will travel to Coomera to in a game that could see either side move into the top three with a considerable victory. Currently sitting fourth and fifth on the ladder respectively, the two sides had losses on the weekend that have brought them back to the pack. Beenleigh were beaten by 33 points against Caboolture in round eight, with Matt Kimpton again showing some class around the ground, while Andrew Graham was able to put four goals on the board to have the second most in the competition thus far. In Coomera’s 28 point loss to Redcliffe, Aaron Talbot ended up with four goals, while Jamie Cootes battled hard all day. There isn’t a great deal between these two teams and the outcome of this match will indicate who will be the frontrunner for a berth in the top three as we hit the middle stages of the season.
Redcliffe will want to build on their positive showing last week by taking the four points against UQ at St Lucia. The Red Lions have had a tough start the year with only the one win to their name. Last week they were again comprehensively beaten by Ipswich by eight goals. The Tigers on the other hand are coming off a five goal win against fifth placed Coomera where Brian Edlond was in superb touch, kicking three goals and claiming best on ground honours. He was ably supported my Mike Fitzpatrick who has hit some solid form in the past few weeks.
The final match of the round will see second placed Logan take on second last Griffith Moorooka at Tansey Park. The Cobras travelled to the hinterland last week and led at all changes, only to be beaten by a goal following a 34 point Nambour last quarter. As devastating as this loss must have been, the Cobras put forth quite an effort and will no doubt be ready for Griffith Moorooka this week. Calamvale were able to get the better of Griffith Moorooka in round eight, with co-captains Chris Lowe and Aaron Bigley among the best performers. It will be a tough one for Griffith Moorooka this week and their back six will need to lock down on the likes of Ash and Dylan Witney if they are to keep the score respectable.
