Easier path for Demons

AUSSIE RULES: Surfers Paradise have been handed a finals berth on a platter after the cancellation of tonight’s scheduled match against Springwood.

The Demons were to have played the Pumas in a SEQAFL Division 1 catch-up match, originally washed out in the third round.

But AFL Queensland, who run the second-tier Pineapple Hotel Cup, agreed to requests from Springwood to have the game cancelled. The Pumas cited an acute player shortage behind their wish not to play.

According to AFLQ official David Heilbron, the Pumas said they had 19 senior players sidelined with injury, including seven of their top 10, and would struggle to field a competitive side for a midweek match.

The forfeit means Surfers have now moved to fifth on the ladder, ahead of Sandgate, who are now out of the flag race because they have the final-round bye this weekend.

The Demons are playing Coolangatta on Saturday and, depending on results elsewhere, could finish as high as third for the finals.

Sandgate player-coach Ben Long is understandably disappointed with the decision that has cost his side whatever slim chance they had of finals action.

It was not long ago that Coolangatta officials were told, following a forfeit in reserve grade, they faced heavy sanctions if it happened again.

It remains to be seen whether the forfeit will cost Surfers players the chance to win the Duncanson-Todd Medal.