Tigers get rattled up by Demons
SURFERS Paradise have recorded a shock upset win over Labrador in a brutal Round 1 QAFL game that left one player in the emergency ward in hospital and others in doubt going into the next game.
The Demons beat last season’s grand finalists 9.19 (73) to 8.9 (57) at Sir Bruce Small Park, ensuring the Tigers can’t repeat their 2017 effort of an unbeaten regular season.
Both sides went into the final quarter without rotations, while Labrador forward Bryce Retzlaff was taken in an ambulance following a collision that had Tigers officials concerned about internal damage.
“It was a good win to start the season off,” Surfers Paradise coach Brad Moore said.
“It was a really tough game of football. I think both sides were thankful they got to go home and try to recover.”
Surfers Paradise lost Nathan Trevena (lower leg) and Connor Manning (ankle) while Labrador lost Bryce Retzlaff (kidneys), Zachery Brain (side strain), Sam Walker (concussion) and Thomas Thorsen (wrist).
Moore said there was no malice in the game but suggested the teams increased their physicality as they continue to sharpen their skills.