Reasons behind the rise of our footballers

FOOTBALL is thriving on the Gold Coast.

You only need to look at the finals of the QAFL and NEAFL to see Australian rules at the grassroots level in the city is in good condition.

The QAFL grand final was played between two Coast teams for the third year in a row while three of five teams to play in the finals were from the region including premiers Palm Beach Currumbin, runners-up

Broadbeach and

Surfers

Paradise.

Southport won the

NEAFL to add another element of success.

Broadbeach general manager of football Jason Cotter (pictured) said Gold Coast football was healthy and would only keep improving as Brisbane teams fought to keep up.

“Gold Coast footy is going very strong,” Cotter said.

“Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Palm Beach Currumbin all made the finals, filling three of the top five spots.

“One would think Labrador wouldn’t be down for too long too.

“We also had the (Southport) Sharks winning the NEAFL premiership. It all argues well for the Gold Coast region in its entirety.

“In terms of local football, they are heading in the right direction.

“We are comfortable Broadbeach is heading in the right direction too.”

With the 2018 season done and dusted, the Bulletin runs the rule over the Gold Coast QAFL sides and rates their respective performances.