A huge day of footy at SUBARU tomorrow with the Cats taking on competition new comers Redland-Victoria Point Sharks followed by old boys action against local rivals Surfers Paradise.
Broadbeach, who worked hard all day last week to secure a solid win against Palm Beach have made 5 changes. Lucas JELLYMAN-TURNER was rewarded for his consistent form in becoming VFL listed with Aspley during the week and will make his debut for the Hornets tomorrow. LJT remains aligned to the Cats and will likely feature later in the season for the Cats. Bodhi UWLAND unsurprisingly was recalled to SUNS VFL duties, and will be joined by fast improving young ruck Ryan PICKERING, who played in the Development Team last week. Cody HARRINGTON will be rested this week following the AFL’s new 12 day concussion protocol after looking dangerous last week. Young guns Hamo HOWARD and BRAYDEN Taylor are being freshened up after a few solid weeks at senior level. Into the side sees the return of Darcy IRWIN who was squeezed last week due to points allocation and exciting academy prospect Connor MUNRO. Broadbeach juniors Riley WINTER and Al RAYNER also return from short stints on the sideline as does Sharks listed and 2020 Grand Final participant Ryan GILMORE who has been out of the side for a couple of weeks due to VFL duties and illness.
Redland-Victoria Point Sharks are new to the competition this year and are a merged entity originating from the Redland Bombers (who Broadbeach played against in the QAFL from 2000-2010 and in the NEAFL from 2011-2013), and the Victoria Point Sharks, who have played Division 2 footy in recent years. Long term observers may remember the likes of Tom Salter, Peter Yagmoor and Damian Steven who have previously played against the Cats in NEAFL days. Also, Harrison Kerr, who won the Cats goalkicking in 2016 before moving to Brisbane, and who is currently 4th in the Ray Hughson medal with 23 goals, trailing our own Jordan MONCRIEFF currently sitting on 41 goals.
It’s likely that James GLEDHILL, a week following a shut out of Palm Beach spearhead Jack Anthony will get the job on Kerr, and at the other end don’t be surprised if big bodied key defender Adrian Williams goes to the Mayor. Tom BETSON, who has been a revelation after getting his opportunity recently will again be outsized by ruck opponent Jarrod Huddy in what will be an interesting battle to provide service to the midfield battle. The contest between ERICKSON, ARMITAGE and LOWER against the likes of Miller, Franks and Steven will likely go a long way to determining the outcome of the match. Also of interest will be whether RVP use Yagmoor as the “quarterback” type role across halfback or swing him forward as they did last week to good effect (he kicked 6). Coach O’Brien will be hoping that in-form small trio BURTON, CHADWICK and JASPER can cause the back 6 of Redland and that the return of twin talls GILMORE and WINTER can further stretch their defence.
After a disappointing outing last week, the Development Squad will be looking to bounce back. Into the side come popular big man Richard KERR, who played well in his last outing against Noosa. Also it will be interesting to see how AFL Academy player and likely draftee Aussie HARRIS in his first game for the club against men. Also Ben KERNICK, hampered to date by soft tissue injuries will play his first game in Cats colours, after several seasons playing for Rowville in the strong Eastern Football League in Melbourne.
Our Colts have been boosted by the return of several players from academy duty, and all are encouraged to come down to Subaru early and support these young future senior players in action.
The old boys both 35’s and 45’s round out the day playing Surfers in the annual “Stixy Cup”. It is always a big game, so hang around!
Our senior women’s teams will round out the evening with a double header at Burleigh. A tough game against a competition front runner in Division 1, and after showing great improvement in recent weeks the Development Squad will certainly fancy their chances this week!
Good luck to all teams.