Cats pay price after fighting off Tigers
BROADBEACH survived a first-quarter ambush from predicted QAFL mover Labrador but has lost two key personnel in the process.
The Cats were pounced on early by the Tigers on a hot Saturday at Subaru Oval, the grand finalists trailing by 10 points at the end of the first term.
But Broadbeach grew into the game and came out with a 15.7 (97) to 9.11 (65) win in the Round 2 clash in what was the first game of the season for both clubs.
The win was soured by injuries to centre-halfback Harrison Arnold, who suffered a suspected broken scapula in
the last quarter that will keep him out for up to eight weeks, and Matt Little who hurt his achilles in the first term.
“We were very poor early and they were pretty good,” Broadbeach coach Craig O’Brien said.
“They jumped us a bit. The scoreboard flattered in the first quarter – they should have been three goals up, maybe four.
“We controlled the game from there. We got our running game going and we started getting cleaner with our hands.
“We knew they would come out hard in the third but we managed to stem the flow and kicked away.
“It was a good win because
Labrador have recruited well, are a better side than last year and are well coached (by Nick Malceski).
“If that is an indication of the level of the footy that will be played this year then it will be a cracking competition.”
The Cats steeled their backline in the off-season and it stood up against the Tigers, with 17-year-old Bodhi Uwland among the best while matching up against the likes of Tigers tall forward Bryce Retzlaff.
Recruit James Gledhill and experienced Broadbeach player Josh Searl were also outstanding for the Cats.
Southport Sharks-listed VFL players Andrew Boston and Connor Nutting both featured
in the Cats side as they prepare for Round 1 of the VFL this week.
Both played the game out and are expected to be ready to play against Carlton on Saturday in Melbourne.
■ PALM Beach Currumbin ran out of legs against 2020 premier Morningside, losing 15.12 (102) to 8.11 (59) at Salk Oval on Saturday.
The Lions led at the first two breaks but a lack of match fitness ultimately cost them.
Palm Beach Currumbin had just one practice game between the wet weather and COVID breaks while Morningside had three.
“We were happy with where we were sitting halfway
through the second quarter and going into halftime we looked pretty comfortable,” Lions coach Russell Maloney said.
“All our KPIs (key performance indicators) were up and going our way and then all of a sudden we hit the brick wall.
“Morningside ran the game out a lot stronger than us. We had five to six blokes cramping at one time and not many on the interchange.”
■ THE 2021 campaign of fellow Gold Coast team Surfers Paradise got off to a rough start on Saturday at Sir Bruce Small Park. The Demons were thrashed by QAFL newcomer Redland-Victoria Point 24.10 (154) to 15.6 (96).