Our QFA men will look to continue their undefeated run against Coomera this weekend, while our QAFLW women line up for the first in a run of tough games that will go a long way towards determining their final ladder position this season.
QFA
Opposition: We trek up the M1 this weekend to take on The Coomera Magpies, who we played earlier in the season and had a convincing victory over. They have proven to be competitive for most of the year, so they will pose a real challenge to us on the road at their home venue.
Challenge: This week’s encounter is a bit of the unknown again, as we haven’t really got a close read on this team, as they have been up and down all season. What we need to do, like we have all year, is to ensure we get our game going and don’t bring them into the game at all. Their ground is probably the largest ground in the competition, which will suit our running game.
Shuffling: Rinse and repeat this week; we may see up to 5 changes due to injury and different circumstances. There should be some quality coming back into the team this week, in particular Kane Emery, who has completed his concussion protocol and is feeling fit and ready to go.
Ones to Watch: The main one to watch this weekend is the long-awaited return of Club favourite Alex Crow, who makes his way back into the senior team after some outstanding form in the reserves, as he made his way back from an ACL injury. Massive lifter for the team, given how loved he is.
Focus: Get to work early and build scoreboard pressure, so they don't gain any confidence in their game. Playing at home in front of their parochial crowd does lift this team, so we need to silence them early and make the most of scoring opportunities that present.
Final Word: Another game to ensure our unbeaten record stays intact and continue to build our game the right way. We did wobble a little a few weeks back, but last week, in particular, we were back to playing some irresistible footy.
- With Matthew Kennedy
QAFLW
The opposition: UQ are a very capable, speedy, well-organised team who play their home deck well. We'll need to be switched on from the outset.
The challenge: Geography! The Basin, UQ's home ground, is uniquely shaped, and it definitely takes some getting used to.
Shuffling the magnets: Skye White is a notable return and will be available for us this week. We are pretty stable at the moment, which is a great thing at this time of year.
Ones to watch: Trinity Ella is a livewire small forward who has been tracking really well since returning from an ACL injury. She's really starting to find some form. Charlie Adamson up the other end of the park is starting to get going too. She's now three games back after her return from her second ACL rupture. She's showing some real confidence and dash. Tegan Williams was out with an 8-week shoulder issue, but she's finding form. And we've really been enjoying Millar Brosnan-Ball's athletic work in the ruck.
The focus: Given the ground's shape, centre bounce becomes absolutely critical. We really need to get our midfield playing smart and working hard as a collective.
Final word: This is the first game in a huge three-week block for us. We have UQ away, followed by our fellow ladder leaders, Coorparoo and Southport, at The Canal. It's critical that we not only win this week, but really make a good fist of the next few games to give ourselves the best possible chance of finishing in the top two at the end of the home-and-away season.
- With Andy Lovell