The Cats travel up the M1 tomorrow for a grand final rematch at Esplen Oval. The Cats hope to atone somewhat for the disappointment of last year and build on a solid performance in defeating Labrador at home last weekend.
As is the nature of QAFL football at times, despite an even and pleasing performance last week, the Cats have been forced into 6 changes for this weekend’s fixture. Sharks listed duo Connor NUTTING & Andrew BOSTON will make their VFL competition debut, as will Bodhi UWLAND who has been rewarded for his strong performance last week, who will play for the GC Suns Reserves at the Witten Oval in Melbourne against the strong Bulldogs reserves team. Also out of the side are injured players Harry ARNOLD (shoulder) and Matt Little (Achilles), and Kai SHEERS (illness).
The club welcomes back club Best and Fairest Max “Pig” LOWER and gun left foot flanker Sam WEDDELL into the line up, as well as long term loyal servants Xavier MCMAHON and James ROYES. Coach Craig O’Brien was delighted to announce two further teenaged debutants, in addition to the three announced last week. Riley Winter, a club junior who has more recently plied his trade at Burleigh. Narrowly overlooked for a list spot at Sharks over the pre-season, Riley looks a likely prospect and will add some height to the forward line, and may assist PICKERING in the ruck at times. Colts Best and Fairest from last year Finn BROWN also deserves his opportunity after working hard on fitness in the off-season and is very strong in the contest.
Morningside experienced significant player movement over the summer, however coach Clint Watts clearly has them extremely fit, demonstrated with their reserves and seniors both having strong wins away at Palm Beach last week, overrunning the Lions in the second half.
The match will be livestreamed from 2pm at qafl.com.au
IN: Brown (debut), Winter (debut), McMahon, Royes, Lower, Weddell
OUT: Boston, Uwland, Nutting (VFL), Little (leg), Arnold (shoulder), Sheers (illness).