Defender thrown into Lions’ den on debut
ZANE Baker will be given a baptism of fire when he makes his QAFL debut in today’s topof-the-table clash between Surfers Paradise and Palm Beach Currumbin.
The 21-year-old Demons key defender has been given the task of stopping the reigning premiers who have kicked more points (452) than any other side in 2019 when they meet at Salk Oval today.
“Zane is a young man who is new to the football club, he has gone through Southport’s juniors and then Coomera,” Surfers Paradise coach Brad Moore said.
“He keeps stepping up his level of footy and has been good for us.
“He played in our practice match with Palm Beach and will now play against them in a game for premiership points.
“He didn’t look out of sorts in the pre-season game. We lost a couple of key defenders and he was at the top of the list to give an opportunity to.”
Baker will be joined in the side by incomers Cassidy Haberfield, Elliot Bath and Jack Taylor, with the group replacing Trent Goldfinch (shoulder), Noa Corbett (shoulder), Josh Matulis (hip flexor) and Sam Jewell who has been called up to Southport’s NEAFL side.
Both sides are the only teams in the competition who remain undefeated after five rounds, with Palm Beach Curr“It’s umbin leading on percentage.
The Demons beat Palm Beach Currumbin at Salk Oval at the back end of the 2018 season but lost in a pre-season game this year to the Lions.
Palm Beach have brought in Jackson Emblem, Adam McKenzie and Ashton Crossley to replace Trent Stubbs (Southport), Jack Marino (omitted) and John Macansh (omitted).
“I watched Surfers play Broadbeach last week and I was pretty impressed,” Lions coach Jess Sinclair said.
pretty clear why they are 4-0. They have a really good midfield, their hardness and the way they take it up to the opposition is what impressed me the most.
“We are under no illusions it will be on and we will need to bring our best game or we will get shown up.
“Whoever wins the midfield battle will probably win the game.”
Meanwhile, Labrador will host Broadbeach at Cooke Murphy Oval today.