Demons bolster squad for QAFL title defence
SURFERS Paradise have unveiled the recruits they believe have strengthened a premiership team ahead of the QAFL season.
The Demons have kept the bulk of the 2019 group who won last year’s grand final while luring some old and new faces to the club in 2020.
Dan Green (retired), Nathan Trevena (relocated to the US for work), Conor McKenzie (work), Bailey Fraser (work) and Harris Newton (Melbourne) have departed while key forward Ben Merrett (Bond University), ruck-tall Sam Jewell (Southport) and key defender Connor Manning (overseas) have all returned to the fold.
Among the new faces are key forward Tyson Brazel (Bond University), midfielders Connor Kirtley (Cairns), Paul Hinkley (Taree), Brodie Hodson (Mildura), key-position player Aaron Shaw (Northcote, Melbourne) and wingforward Kyle Wisniewski (North Hobart).
Senior assistant coaches Gavin Faulkner and Waata
Wells won’t be back while colts coach Hamish Mitchell has become the Tweed Tigers’ senior coach for 2020.
Ash More (Langwarrin, Victoria) has signed on as a senior assistant while Shannon Tate will coach the colts.
“We are still in negotiations with a couple of players,” Demons coach Brad Moore said. “Fortunately we have once again been able to retain the majority of our playing list, while adding some specific recruits that we feel can strengthen the list again.
Surfers Paradise will play practice matches against Caloundra, Mt Gravatt and Labrador before their QAFL premiership season begins against Palm Beach Currumbin on April 18.