TITLE CONTENDERS LABRADOR IN INJURY STRIFE
TITLE-CHASING Broadbeach have lost a key player and rivals Labrador may end up losing one after what could be a costly Gold Coast QAFL derby on Saturday.
Broadbeach wingman Luke Shreeve faces a knee reconstruction after going down during the third quarter of the Cooke-Murphy Oval clash, won by Labrador 14.15 (99) to 11.10 (76).
In the Tiger camp there are concerns over skipper Bryce Retzlaff who was stretchered off in clear agony with an ankle injury.
Broadbeach coach Brett Andrews said Shreeve, who has had a history of knee issues, has done his ACL.
But Retzlaff is confident he will be able to turn out for the Tigers as they chase a hat-trick of premierships.
“It’s hard to tell the next day but it doesn’t seem to be broken,” Retzlaff said of his injured left ankle.
“I’m having scans (today) but I’m confident I’m going to be playing in the finals.”
Both injuries came in the last quarter of what was a top derby until Labrador finally found the mojo that had been missing for a few weeks.
The Cats had use of the wind in the first stanza and put on four goals to start.
When Labrador found their feet they took a lead in
the second before the Cats finished on top at half-time.
That was when Labrador took control with six goals in the third term that helped them stay unbeaten.
“They trapped us into playing the way they wanted us to play – they stopped our run,” explained Andrews of the turnaround in fortunes.
With a must-win game against Morningside at home next week, the Cats have also lost midfield star Josh Searl (foot) but will regain Adam Spackman, Ed Sansbury and Nick Burton.
Broadbeach can finish third if they beat Morningside and Labrador beat Mt Gravatt in the final round.
At Salk Oval PBC trailed Mt Gravatt at both quartertime and half-time before turning on the style for a 20.7 (127) to 8.14 (62) success.
Up at Lemke Road Oval bottom sides Sandgate and Surfers Paradise fought out a draw, finishing level with Surfers on 13.6 (84) and the Hawks on 12.12 (84).