By JONATHON HOWARD
THE well-documented rivalry between the Noosa Tigers and Maroochydore Roos is heating up in the pre-season following some big name signings and battles to retain young talent.
QFA North continues to attract the attention of young Queenslanders who are often pulled to rival codes such as Rugby League and Rugby Union, as the competition for new recruits is a matter of survival for small footy clubs.
The Noosa Tigers has made two big announcements last week including the signing of former Brisbane Lion and dual premiership winner (2001 & 2003) Robert “Bushy” Copeland as a playing assistant coach.
The Tigers have also signed another former Brisbane Lion and ex Demon Brent Moloney who will not only run on for Noosa, but will also join the coaching staff.
Maroochydore Roos AFL Club senior coach Brett Maloney said the club remained “unphased” by the Noosa Tigers recent pre-season signings, as the Roos revealed some of their own hand-picked talent joining next year’s pack.
The Roos have signed former AFL Asia Pacific development manager Andrew Cadzow as their new assistant coach.
Cadzow spent 27 years looking after AFL in the Asia Pacific region but now he’s returning home and will be helping out senior coach Brett Maloney, in 2015 as one of two key coaching appointments at Fisherman’s Road.
Current Colts coach, Steve Moody, will also be joining the senior coaching team as an assistant coach.
Moody has coached the Queensland Schoolboys U15s team since 2012 and was named Queensland Youth Coach of the Year in 2010.
Both Moody and Cadzow have strong ties to the Roos, both being past players of the club.
“We’re getting some new talent on the field with the signing of former Brisbane Lion Daniel Dzufer and a few more announcements to come,” Mr Maloney said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane Mayne Tigers AFL Club, who downed the Noosa Tigers in last year’s QFA grand final, have also revealed senior coast Shaun Daly will remain for another year and Luke Falkner, who was a standout player for Mayne last year, will also remain for another year.
Mayne president Russell Ditchburn said it was hoping to achieve another strong season next year after winning the club’s first grand final since 1982.
“I hadn’t heard about the signings at Noosa,” Mr Ditchburn.
“We’re focusing on our own line up at the moment and retaining some of the talent we saw this year.”
Tigers president Scott Mackenzie said the Tigers were ensuring they enter the 2015 season with the strongest leadership yet.
“I think with the new talent on board and a greater focus on development and leadership we’re looking towards a strong season next year,” he said.
QFA North competition was introduced in season 2014 to promote local rivalries whilst still maintaining a highly competitive competition. Teams stretch from north of the Brisbane River to the northern end of the Sunshine Coast.
The winner of the QFA North competition will play against the winner of the QFA South competition to see who has earned the opportunity to apply for a QAFL Licence, which is set for implementation in season 2015.
