Hornets sting Cats in shocking finale
THE Aspley Hornets have broken Gold Coast hearts in a devastating win over the Broadbeach Cats, marking their first and only loss of the 2022 QAFL season.
Despite going undefeated all year, the Cats were unable to go back-to-back, losing 6.10 (46) to 13.13 (91) at Giffin Park on Saturday.
Grand final favourites the Cats had defeated Aspley by more than 20 points each time this season, but were challenged by competition newcomers Aspley, who have become premiers in their first year back in the QAFL.
Aspley began strong with stellar defence from Liam Dawson, while a twisting trick shot from Nick Dodge in the second term increased the pressure on the Cats.
“We were just not good enough, they were a lot more professional than us, we never had any control of the game at all, and to be honest the scoreboard probably flattered us a bit,” Broadbeach coach Craig O’Brien said.
“They’re a lot bigger boys than us, they’re coming out of a good system (in the VFL) so we need to raise the bar and get to where they are and put in some work in the off season.
There’s no doubt, we just have to get better.”
In the midfield, 2022 Grogan medallist Ryan Banks-Smith was prolific in the midfield, along with Reece Toye and Connor Stackelberg, who booted four majors. Despite the loss, the Gold Coast won both the reserves and colts finals, with wins from Labrador and Palm Beach Currumbin respectively.
QAFL reserves favourites the Labrador Tigers won the reserves grand final after taking down Palm Beach Currumbin, 17.12 (114) to 8.8. (56) at Coorparoo.
After winning only nine of 18 games in the home and away season, PBC made a miraculous run to make the grand final taking out Broadbeach,
Maroochydore and Aspley in the finals series.
But it was minor premiers Labrador who solidified a brilliant season with a quality final where they held the lead throughout the game.
Labrador’s Paddy Turner kicked three goals in the first term to push the Tigers to a 33-19 lead, while Sam Mercer shone in the second term to push them ahead 59-39.
A PBC come back was always on the cards for the final term, but Labrador owned the quarter 35-2, causing a fight between several players.
Labrador’s best performers of the day were Bailey Brown, Nathan Wright, Sam Mercer (three goals) and Paddy Turner (four goals), while PBC’s Lewis McNally stood out despite the loss.