Noosa Tigers and Maroochydore Roos captains preview 2024 QAFL rivalry fixture

All eyes will be on the Noosa Tigers and Maroochydore Roos this weekend with both captains highlighting their key player match-ups and tactics ahead of the highly anticipated QAFL rivalry.

Preview for the Sunshine Coast QAFL clash between the Noosa Tigers and the Maroochydore Roos. Pictures: Aussie Active/Mike Edmiston, Craig Slaney Sports Photography and Highflyer Images.

The battle for the ultimate bragging rights has arrived as the Maroochydore Roos take on the Noosa Tigers in this weekend’s blockbuster QAFL Anzac round clash.

Both teams are chasing their first win of the season but the Tigers will also head into Saturday’s 2pm match armed with home-ground advantage.

The men in green and gold were the 2023 victors beating Noosa 10.13.73 to 4.12.36 before the Tigers flipped the script in the final round of the regular season with a 12.10.82 to 7.13.55 result.

The clash will also be the first time new head coaches Matt Leuenberger (Noosa) and Steve Wildschut (Maroochydore) face each other.

The Daily caught up with captains Josh Govan (Maroochydore) and Lachie Flagg (Noosa) to find out how they were feeling ahead of the first bounce.

Maroochydore head coach Steve Wildschut and Noosa head coach Matt Leuenberger. Pictures: Patrick Woods.

Q: How has the lead up been and what’s the feeling like among the players?

Flagg: “Clearly we would’ve liked to have won a couple of games by now but the group is still really up and about. I think because we are a really new group and it’s not panic stations on our end. We’d obviously like to kick start a win as soon as possible but we’re growing each week so the morale in the playing group, coaching staff and even supporters is still positive.”

Govan: “We haven’t had the start that we’ve been after and I’m sure Noosa are feeling the same but that’s probably what makes this week even better. Every time we play each other it strips everything away no matter how well or poor either team are going. We’re taking it as a real opportunity to get our first win on the board and to do it against Noosa will hopefully relieve that pressure. It’s funny how quickly things can be forgotten with a win.”

Q: Both teams are chasing their first win of the season, what makes you guys think you can turn it around?

Flagg: “I haven’t seen too much from Maroochydore, from what I know is that they’ve also got a new squad and are in a similar position to us going into this week. In saying that we’ll largely just focus on what we’ve got to do because we’ve got a lot of areas we need to improve ourselves but we’re not far off it. I think we’re pretty close to clicking so hopefully it all starts to come together this weekend. I’m sure it will be a great battle, not only because of the rivalry but because both sides are looking to kick start their campaign.”

Govan: “I think it’s to look at what the week and game-day brings. In these derbies you get back to playing fundamentals and simple footy which is probably what we need at the moment. Travelling up there adds that extra pressure and intensity for both sides so hopefully that kicks us into gear.”

Q: Does playing at/away from home come into effect?

Flagg: “In my opinion I think we’ve got the best home ground crowd in the competition so hopefully that plays a bit of a factor and I’m sure there will be plenty of Maroochydore fans there. It’s always really enjoyable playing at home, these derbies are always massive no matter where either team is on the ladder and we don’t want to let our fans down. Last year it was split one win each depending on who was at home so hopefully that’s the case again.”

Govan: “Both teams obviously rate themselves at home and I know they feel the same when they come to Maroochydore in the sense you almost get yourself up and about even more when playing away. For us going up there, we’ll have some supporters but the majority will be against us so hopefully it sharpens us up a bit more.”

Noosa players Mitch Langan and Ryan Crisp. New Maroochydore recruit Aaron Wilson. Pictures: Craig Slaney Sports Photography and Highflyer Images.

Q: Which players will be key for you guys in getting the victory?

Flagg: “I wouldn’t say I’m looking at anyone to have a big game but Mitchell Conn has been in really good form. He’s a new midfielder for us and has arguably been our best in the opening three rounds. Mitch Langan has been solid as well, he’s a Noosa junior so should be very keen for this weekend and Ryan Crisp. He missed last week but was a standout in the first two rounds so it will be great to have him back. We can’t rely on two or three blokes to step up, we want to see improvement out of everyone.

Govan: “Obviously the big man up top, Aaron Wilson. He’s changed from Noosa to us this season and I’d say it’s been on everyone's mind. I expect him to perform well, he’s been in good form and he’s played so much footy up there so no doubt he’ll find the scoresheet this week. Apart from him I hope all the boys stand tall and show they’re up for it.”