Fowler kicks 11 as Cats cruise
AN incredible 11-goal haul from Broadbeach forward Matthew Fowler has propelled the Cats to a 71-point win against Sandgate and cemented him as one of the recruits of the 2018 QAFL season.
Fowler was unstoppable at Subaru Oval on Saturday, booting more than half of Broadbeach’s goals while producing 16 scoring shots of his own and selflessly passing off to teammates when he could have added even more.
It took the competition’s leading goalkicker’s tally to 40 for the season, while the Cats maintain second on the ladder behind reigning premiers Palm Beach Currumbin on the back of their 17.17 (119) to 7.6 (48) win.
Broadbeach coach Brett Andrews said Fowler was a standout who posed an even greater threat while playing next to new recruit and former Richmond AFL player Luke McGuane, who has taken some of the attention of defenders.
“He is the leading goalkicker for a reason,” Andrews said.
“He led up, the boys kicked to space and having Luke there probably freed him up a bit. He was good.
“He gave a couple away and was a standout for us, along with a couple of young debutants.”
It was a big win but Andrews believed his side didn’t exhibit their usual energy around the ball.
“We have been up for five weeks so we were a bit flat but to be perfectly honest I thought Sandgate were pretty good,” Andrews said.
“They kicked well, their skill level was pretty good and we were a little off. We are just happy to get through.
“We are playing for second spot every week so that’s another tick off the list.”
Meanwhile, Surfers Paradise remain in the finals hunt following a gritty two-point win against Wilston Grange.
Surfers Paradise hold fifth after their 10.14 (74) to 11.6 (72) win but finish with three tough games.
The Demons will play Palm Beach Currumbin, who will be fresh from a bye, before coming up against finals-bound teams Mt Gravatt and Western Magpies.
Labrador lost to Western Magpies 12.12 (84) to 8.8 (56).