Teen’s baptism of fire
Cats hopeful Hancock will provide attacking influence
BROADBEACH are sweating on events at Southport going their way to enable versatile forward Ben Hancock an appearance in the QAFL elimination final tomorrow.
The attacking utility could play for Broadbeach in their knockout game against Morningside at Esplen Oval in Brisbane but only if he does not play for Southport in a NEAFL eliminator in Sydney today.
Hancock is being taken to Harbour City as a travelling emergency and if he does not get a game against Sydney University, he will be right to play for the Cats tomorrow.
Broadbeach coach Brett Andrews hopes Hancock will be available but understands the situation if he is not.
“What do you do? He’s not really our player,” Andrews said of Hancock, who is contracted to Southport but plays for Broadbeach when not required for NEAFL.
“I accept the situation but it just makes our task that bit harder if he cannot play.”
With the exception of halfforward Jarryd Klessens – and of course Hancock – the Cats will be at full strength for the trip to the capital.
Results this year have been shared. The Panthers won the first clash by 46 and Broadbeach the return bout by 29.
For a side that came from nowhere to claim fifth spot for the finals Broadbeach have some impressive recent scalps.
They beat premiers Morning side and also have flag fav- ourites Labrador as a victim. “Yes, we’ve beaten both those sides but everyone has to lift another 10 per cent from those games,” Andrews said.
“Morningside is a great club and have a great side.
“But we have a bit of momentum and we’re confident.”
The qualifying final is between Western Magpies (second) and Wilston Grange (third) today in Yeronga.
The winner earns a crack at minor premiers Labrador in the second semi-final at Labrador next weekend.