By Julien Pitts
The Roccocos Bar and Bistro Noosa tigers have smashed Springwood to the tune of 17 goals in last weekends preliminary final at Weyba Road. In front of what many locals have said to be the largest crowd ever seen at Noosa, apart from the Pumas kicking the initial two goals, the rest was a football lesson given by the premiership favourites who now face Mayne in this Sunday’s division one QFA grand final.The Grand final will be held at the very impressive Moreton bay sports complex with the main game starting at 2.30 pm.The Noosa boys will go into the game unchanged at this stage with all 22 of the prelim final victors fit and healthy and as a collective in superb touch. Athletic ruckman Connor Mcdonald was outstanding for the Noosa side not only giving first use of the ball to his onballers but linking up also as a running option to be awarded the Brian Trist medal for the man adjudged best on the ground. Gun centreman Brett Meredith would also have been a worthy recipient showcasing his sublime skills the entire day whilst Will Odwyer (6 goals in 3 quarters) had a field day up forward and finished beautifully.
Jai Fitzpatrick’s second half after being moved into the centre was just a treat to watch as he gathered over 20 touches for the half whilst the defensive efforts of 16 year old shadeau Brain did not go unnoticed for the most part. His natural footy instincts and poise under pressure a fantastic trait to have.Fraser, Laskey, Maher, Johnston and Rogers also super impressive in a team that simply had winners all over the ground.
Now for the big dance! And make no mistake it will be a much different game.These two teams had a draw only 21 days ago to set up an intriguing but expected grand final. No one hands you a cup and I’m sure Mayne again will have a plan for the Noosa boys. Personslly the large open spaces will suit Noosa’s game style where they love to switch play from the back half and attack from the other side using runners like stack,Odwyer and Fitzpatrick. Club stalwart and life member Nath Winter will play his 200th Senior game, an absolute testament to what perseverance and a great work ethic to his fitness and game over a long period can do. Lets hope it’s a fairytale result for such a milestone.
The game will be live-streamed on the AFLQ community Facebook page for those than can’t make the trip down to Moreton bay and for all information regarding supporters buses please visit the Noosa tigers Facebook page and website.
Not only are we going for back to back flags and competing if in our four consecutive senior grand final,our reserves also face Mayne in their big dance from midday in a replay of last years decider,one in which I know seconds coach Tony Brennan wants to turn around.The Keenan James led ressies are finding form at the right time of the year on the back of key players returning from injury and just generally clicking after the shortened 8 round fixture season. Wallace, Curry, James, Johnston and Fuller halve all had terrific years and will go into the granny with plenty of confidence after their strong prelim final win over Cooparoo last weekend.Get into them boys.
And as if that is not it, the day begins with our inaugural women’s team taking on hinterland from 10am in their 2020 div 2 grand final on Moreton bays number one oval.The Peter Trompf coached women’s have been outstanding all year and once again last Saturday night I front if an enormous crowd put on a show to move into a grand final in their first ever year. Maddi and Eliza Trompf were awesome for the tigers whilst stars Cas Hoestra (3 goals) and Regen Mills were very influential in the win.
Well what a day this Sunday will be for the Roccocos Bar and Bistro Noosa tigers. It doesn’t get much bigger.
See you there
Can’t wait.
