A change in coach and heavy recruitment has lead to Mackays Gridiron side on the verge of becoming Reef Bowl Champions

First year head coach Brad Somerville is on the cusp of history as the first coach to lead Mackay’s Gridiron side to a championship this weekend in Townsville, after years of missing finals.

Mavericks players are ready to leave it all on the line this weekend in Townsville with one hand on the premiership cup

After six years in the competition, the Mackay Mavericks are headed to the big dance after crushing the Port City Pirates in Gladstone last weekend to contest their first-ever Reef Bowl title.

It’s been a stellar season for our very own American football outfit, who have benefited from a fresh set of eyes and talent to stake their claim as the best in the competition this weekend.

Recruiting both on and off the field, the Mavericks have flourished under new head coach Brad Somerville, who moved his family to the region from Victoria 18 months ago for a lifestyle change.

Now on the verge of realising a championship dream, Somerville had nothing but praise for his team and all involved and attributes the success to their recruiting from Rugby clubs in the area.

First year head coach Brad Somerville has thrived with an all new playbook and could become the Mavericks first ever championship coach

“We completely flipped the team on its head this year,” Somerville said.

“We had some really good players come across from union and league.”

One such star recruited this season has been Callum McKay at the running back position, making the code switch this year and on the verge of a record-breaking season.

“The big standout on the offensive side is Callum (Mckay)” Somerville said

“If we didn’t get washed out for two games he would have broken all types of records”

Mackay Mavericks star recruit Callum McKay has been on a tear in his inaugural season and could prove the difference in this weekend's championship game

Outside of the recruits this season there have been a group of players committed to the side for the entire six years of its existence sacrificing “blood, sweat, tears and injuries”.

“The core group of players have been here since the start,” Somerville said

“They have been coming consistently 5th and 4th every year … (they’re) pumped and they and ready to go”.

Making the trip this weekend to Townsville for the game the side is grateful for the support of major sponsors Mazda and Empire trailers for their assistance on many levels.

Taking on the might of the Townsville cyclones the match gives Mackay locals a great opportunity to support the team on their quest to be crowned the best in Central/North Queensland.

Currently in it's sixth year of competition the Mavericks core group of players are hoping to capitalise on their first finals appearance in club history.

“Hopefully we can get plenty of people watching,” Somerville said

“Jump on the livestream and flick some messages to the Mackay Gridiron Facebook page and give the boys a bit of a boost.”

All the action can be seen on the team’s Facebook page with a livesteam available on championship day Saturday.