Crossley’s back in the game as Lions win
FORMER Gold Coast Suns AFL ruckman Brayden Crossley has made his anticipated return to football, helping Palm Beach Currumbin to reverse its 2019 grand final result against Surfers Paradise.
The Lions beat the Demons 12.9 (81) to 5.8 (38) at Sir Bruce Small Park in Round 1 of the QAFL in front of a strong crowd on Saturday.
It came on the back of a dominant third-quarter effort from Palm Beach Currumbin, which had its bid to win a third straight premiership halted by the Demons last season.
Crossley, 20, hadn’t played in more than a year after being slapped with a provisional suspension for an anti-doping violation.
He accepted a 12-month sanction last April and was free to play from June 28.
“He was a little rusty after coming off a late preparation but he will get better,” Lions coach Jess Sinclair said.
“He took some nice marks and there is no doubt he will hit his straps soon.
“His attitude has been fantastic since coming back and he is happy to be playing footy again.”
Palm Beach Currumbin had 10 players from last year’s grand final side while the Demons had 14.
Surfers Paradise was without captain Brody Haberfield (injured) and brother Cassidy.
Palm Beach was missing the likes of Josh Woolley, Jack Anthony, Dylan Troutman, Adam Mckenzie, Jason Burge (knee), Jesse Derrick (retired), Jack Anthony, Liam McNeven and Steve Thynne.
The competition has been shortened to an eight-game season before finals, making early wins critical.
In other QAFL results Labrador lost to Morningside 13.9 (87) to 9.10 (64). Broadbeach had a bye.
Meanwhile, a former AFL and NRL-listed player has joined Burleigh and another topliner is on his way.
Josh Hall, a former Gold Coast Suns player who also spent time with NRL club Penrith, was part of the Bombers’ QFA Division 2 South team that beat Robina 26.16 (172) to 3.1 (19) on Saturday in Round 1.
The Southport NEAFL player will be joined by Sharks teammate Ryan Davis who will play between his coaching commitments with Southport’s QFAW Division 1 team.