Season Update
The Cats are excited that the ban on community sport has now lifted and now presents an opportunity to provide our supporters with season update. All 3 mens teams will progress directly to a finals series, which is a top 6 format over 4 weeks as originally planned. Unfortunately our women’s teams seasons have ended with our division 1 side unlucky to miss out on finals action given the season was originally due to end several weeks prior to the men. A top 4 only progressed, meaning our 5th placed team sadly missed out.
No fixtures were possible for this week given the late notice of the lifting of the ban and many clubs understandably reluctant to play given the lack of training recently.
Our seniors will have yet another bye next week having finished the season in second place and earning the double chance, and will face Labrador at Cooke Murphy in a fortnight. Win that game and go straight to a Grand Final, with the loser earning the right to host a preliminary final the following week.
The development team and colts will face elimination finals at Redland next Saturday. The full squad will train Saturday morning and also Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night next week so supporters are encouraged to get down and watch the boys in their preparations for what hopefully will be a big month of footy.
Personnel wise, as expected after over a month off, our injury list has been significantly reduced. Brad LOWE, who sustained a knee injury some months ago was selected to play against Noosa, a game called off some 5 minutes prior to the reserves starting due to snap lockdown. James GLEDHILL, Ty ARMITAGE, Lucas JELLYMAN-TURNER, and Sam WEDDELL are all players previously missing that are now recovered and ready to play. The only regular senior player now under a fitness cloud is Kai SHEERS, who sustained a shoulder injury, and has had difficulty in making a full recovery given his work commitments.
Sharks VFL listed players Ryan GILMORE and Michael SELSBY have qualified to play finals with the Cats, however it is still uncertain whether they will take any part for the Cats given the uncertainty surrounding the VFL competition and whether the Sharks are playing. Sharks have indicated that intra club matches may be used to ensure all players are match fit if VFL finals are not possible in the next couple of weeks.
Lions VFL listed and long time Cat Harrison ARNOLD is a welcome addition to the finals campaign as is Aspley listed Lucas JELLYMAN-TURNER who’s early season form was fantastic for the hoops before being listed and selected by Aspley and then sadly injuring his hand.
On the subject of Aspley, news came through this week that they have withdrawn from the VFL and will join a 12 team QAFL next season, and are anticipated to be a tough opponent.
It also appears certain that our academy players will be available for Cats finals action, with news that both the Queensland under 17 and allies matches have been postponed to the end of September/early October, which strengthens all 3 men’s teams.
Several academy players (rep games count as club reserves games for finals qualification) in addition to several players that have played both seniors and reserves footy in 2021 will tbe available for development team selection next week against Maroochydore, so coach Scott Abercrombie will certainly have some selection decisions to make. Likewise with strong availability of players colts coach Crackers Dwyer will go in with a good line up against Wilston Grange, who no doubt will be very strong given their seniors and reserves did not make finals.
50 Year Celebration
Last Saturday saw around 100 guests attend our 50 year anniversary luncheon. Despite football not being possible the day was a great success and stories from yesteryear were heard throughout the day. Thank you to Brian Rowe, Brian Wilkinson, Rick Trewavas, Matt Littlechild and Dale Perkins for their organization which was enjoyed by all and a big thank you to all that supported our fundraising efforts, in particular our commemorative jumper auction which proved very popular and assisted the club in raising much needed funds in another COVID interrupted year.
A big congratulations to Korey FULTON, who richly deserved his selection in the Golden Jubilee side and for being the 6th individual inducted into Broadbeach Cats Hall of Fame. Likewise, it was nice to recognize the 1987 premiership year.
Also a great honour for club captain and playing life member Josh SEARL and former Grogan Medallist Blake ERICKSON as current players that made the 50 year team, and also recent retiree Nathan QUICK that also achieved selection.
Our Club Champions Gala Ball will be feature a streamlined format and is in the “Glasshouse Room at The Island in Surfers Paradise. It is the club’s night of nights and tickets can be purchased at STICKYTICKETS https://www.stickytickets.com.au/MS3KA
See you at the footy.
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