The Morningside Panthers have secured their eleventh QAFL premiership with a heart-stopping five-point victory over Redland-Victoria Point. The Panthers vs Sharks grand final at the Brighton Homes Arena saw Morningside edge out the Sharks 9.12 (66) to 8.13 (61).
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Panthers vs Sharks : early lead and steady nerves
Morningside took control early in the game, forcing Redland Victoria Point to play catch-up throughout the match. Despite a late surge from the Sharks, including crucial goals from Matt Hammelmann and Joshua Brown, the Panthers maintained their composure to secure the win.
Morningside’s gun midfielder Tommy Horne was awarded the prestigious Joe Grant Medal for his outstanding performance. The medal is presented by David Lillico, marking 20 years since Lillico’s own Joe Grant Medal win in 2004.
This win marks a significant comeback to winning ways for the Morningside Panthers, who failed to qualify for the final series in both 2022 and 2023 after securing their tenth premiership in 2020.
A weekend of mixed fortunes
The grand final weekend proved to be a rollercoaster for Morningside supporters, with the club featuring in three games across different divisions.
The Panthers Colts secured their premiership with a last-minute goal by Oscar Tanks, defeating Wilston Grange 6.13 (49) to 7.5 (47). Meanwhile, the Panthers Reserves narrowly missed out on victory against Maroochydore, finishing 7.15 (57) to the Roos’ 10.6 (66).
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As the Panthers bask in their hard-earned victory, the Morningside faithful can look forward to defending their title in the season to come.
Published 16-September-2024
This pre-match article was published on 09-September-2024.
Panthers vs Sharks: Morningside Face Redland-Victoria Point in Season Decider
The Morningside Panthers are gearing up for a thrilling QAFL Grand Final clash against the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks on Sunday, 15 September. Panthers vs Sharks kick off 2:30 p.m. at Brighton Homes Arena.
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Morningside’s dominant run continues
The Panthers secured their spot in the grand final with a commanding 15.11 (101) to 12.9 (81) win over the Aspley Hornets in the qualifying final.
The match opened with fast-paced action, as Kelly Castle and Luca Winton gave Morningside a dream start, only for Aspley to quickly respond, setting up a fiercely contested first half.
Nakia Cockatoo’s brilliant performance was the highlight of the game, as he repeatedly troubled the Aspley defence, kicking multiple goals and proving to be a game-changer. Despite another spirited final-quarter comeback from Aspley, Morningside’s defence held firm, securing their place in the grand final.
Grand Final showdown: Panthers vs Sharks
Morningside holds the upper hand heading into the grand final, having convincingly beaten Redland-Victoria Point 14.6 (90) to 8.8 (56) in their only previous encounter this season.
Keegan Downie and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds combined for seven goals in that match, and their performance will be crucial as the Panthers aim for premiership glory.
This grand final appearance marks a significant turnaround for Morningside, who missed out on the last two finals series. The team’s resurgence has electrified their fanbase, with supporters eagerly awaiting what promises to be an intense battle at Brighton Homes Arena.
Redland-Victoria Point enters the contest after defeating Aspley in a rematch of last year’s final, ending the Hornets’ hopes of securing a three-peat premiership.
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Panthers faithful are confident their team can repeat the dominant display from earlier in the season and cap off their remarkable resurgence with a premiership victory. Be sure to catch the grand final clash this Sunday as the Panthers look to bring home the title!
