Broadbeach will take on Surfers in front of what is expected to be a big crowd in the traditional May long weekend fixture. Whilst interest is the game between these 2 proud local rivals is always high, this year the match has extra emotion attached with the inaugural staging of the Andrew Schumacher memorial game, in honour of the much loved larger than life figure that Shoey was. The best player will be awarded the Andrew Schumacher medal in this annual event. Hopefully the weather holds off to ensure an exciting exhibition of quality community football, in front of many of Andrew’s friends and family.
The Cats welcome back Brandon “Hawk” CHADWICK for what will be his 99th senior appearance in the hoops and key forward Jordan MONCRIEFF who was away last week. Out of the side go Jackson FISHER with a hip complaint and Jackson’s close mate and left footed flanker, Sam WEDDELL. Only 2 changes, being by far the most stable week at selection in the season to date.
Surfers have lost former Cat Mitch Hopkins and local football stalwart Ben Merrett to injury, but regain handy duo Noa Corbett and Harrison Fraser. The opposition bring solid form to the Cattery this week after narrowly succumbing to premiership fancies Labrador last week and smashing the Magpies by 88 points the week prior. They have named around 12 players from their 2019 premiership side and have a couple of handy recruits.
The forecast of patchy rain may also play into Surfer’s hand, who like to pay a highly accountable, hotly contested brand of football, in contrast to the Cats, that enjoy using the expanses of SUBARU oval and play an exciting brand of footy to watch. It will be interesting to see whether Haberfield lines up on MONCRIEFF early or if they choose to swing him forward and the Max LOWER v Brodie Foster matchup will be one to watch.
In the reserves, we welcome new players to the club Troy TOUSSAINT and Duran RAMAN, all the best fellas. Continuing the club’s focus on fast-tracking junior talent, 17 year old Cats junior Cody HARRINGTON, son of former golf Professional Peter Harrington will debut in the reserves and 15 year old exciting prospect Harrison MARSHAM will make another appearance in the Colts side on Sunday, and has been named in the centre.
Our women’s Div 1 team, fresh off a thrilling 1 point come from behind win last week against Morningside, will be looking to make it 2 in a row, also against the Demons. The match will begin at home immediately after the seniors, and our Women’s development squad round up a massive day (and night) at the Cattery.
Good luck to all teams.