HUNT FOR GLORY IN THE EYES OF CLUBS
After four months of action, Gold Coast will be gripped by finals fever this weekend as five AFLQ teams go to battle in four divisions, as Eliza Reilly writes.
QAFLW
BOND University are fired up to beat the one team they haven’t conquered.
The Bull Sharks have dropped only three games all season on their charge to the minor premiership, two of those against Yeronga South Brisbane who they face today.
“We’ve probably got our strongest side lining up on the field this year but so does Yeronga so I think it’s going to come down to who shows up on the day,” captain Molly Ritson said.
Bond’s only other slip-up came via a disappointing three-point loss to Coorparoo last weekend, though Ritson believes it came at a perfect time. “It’s easy to get complacent,” she said.
“It puts us back on ground and makes us realise there are teams coming after us.”
Bond’s QAFLW development side also won the minor premiership and will play Coorparoo.
QFAW DIVISION ONE
THREE of the four teams jostling for the Division 1 title call the Glitter Strip home.
In an unpredictable season it was Burleigh Bombettes who came out on top with the minor premiership.
“Everyone’s goal is to make it to the grand final so that’s where we hope we’ll end up,” said Burleigh captain Lauren Theodore.
One of the teams to have beaten Burleigh is Robina, who this year joined the league after contesting the Division 2 decider last year.
“We’re really positive about how far we’ve come,” said vice-captain Ellie Parker.
Rounding out the premiership puzzle is the Broadbeach Cats who finished third on the ladder under long-time player, firstyear coach Beth McLaughlin.
After defeating Kedron in the 2017 Division 2 final, the Cats last weekend lost to the Lions for the first time in three seasons, meaning a battle of the cats is on again.
“They’ll be coming off a massive high beating us but they haven’t seen our best yet,” McLaughlin said.
“I think we’ve got a few extra cards up our sleeve this week that they won’t be expecting.”
QFAW DIVISION 2 SOUTH
SURFERS Paradise have completely dominated Division 2 all season.
The Demons have dropped only one game on their march to the minor premiership, their only loss coming against Mount Gravatt who they face this afternoon.
“We beat them last weekend and had a really solid win so we want to do the same this weekend,” said Surfers leader Olivia Salter.
“We’re expecting some harder fought games in finals but we’re looking forward to the challenge and challenging ourselves.”