Labrador Tigers go from wooden spoon contenders to QAFL flag fancies

Labrador’s transformation to wooden spoon fancies to premiership contenders is complete following its defeat of flag favourites Broadbeach. So what instigated the enormous scale up the ladder? We detail it all here.

LABRADOR’S transformation to wooden spoon fancies to premiership contenders is complete following its defeat of flag favourites Broadbeach.

The Tigers sit on equal points with the Cats at the top of the QAFL table after beating Broadbeach10.12 (72) to 7.10 (52) on Saturday at Cooke Murphy Oval.

The major scalp has been looming for Labrador who have had opposition teams looking over their shoulder.

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The wheels of change started with the arrival of new coach Nick Malceski who bolstered the playing list, convinced club legends like captain Bryce Retzlaff to stave off retirement and brought in recruits of the calibre of former AFL player Pearce Hanley while giving confidence and energy to Labrador’s young guns.

The Tigers were smashed by 32 points by the Cats in Round 2, the first game of the season for both clubs, when Labrador rolled out 12 debutants against a Broadbeach team boasting Southport Sharks VFL players Connor Nutting, Andrew Boston, Rhys Clark and Michael Selsby.

Pearce Hanley was one of Labrador’s best against Broadbeach. Picture: Scott Powick NEWSCORP

It was always going to be a season of gradual improvement as a new team got to know a new style under a new coach.

Now, a week after beating top four team Maroochydore Labrador have secured its biggest win of the year.

“In the first game we had the same game plan but we couldn’t execute it,” Malceski said.

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“We hadn’t been able to click together as a unit. (On Saturday) we had the same game plan, the same language and the boys were able to get it done.”

Labrador brought in Alex McKay who Malceski believed was best on ground and Suns academy player Bailey Reeves.

GOLD COAST , AUSTRALIA - April 17, 2021: Labrador Head Coach Nick Malceski in action during the QAFL Round 3 clash between Labrador and Redland-Victoria Point from Cooke-Murphy Oval. Picture: Scott Powick NEWSCORP

Making the win even more incredible was the fact the Tigers did it without four of its best.

Ethan Reeves, Jaicob Kenny and forward duo Retzlaff and Jake Goldsmith all returned from injury via the reserves, with Malceski holding his nerve and backing in his top side.

“It’s about looking at the long term for us,” Malceski said.

“The guys we pick, we back them to play their roles for the team, no matter who it is.

“As a coach and as a club we have guys coming in and doing what we are asking and that is pleasing as the head coach.

“What we have been able to do as a footy club is grow some depth. Our colts and reserves haven’t lost a game. Guys coming up to seniors are playing a role for us and executing and making it hard for match committee.”

In other games Palm Beach Currumbin beat Surfers Paradise 11.14 (80) to 10.6 (66) at Salk Oval after trailing by 20 points at halftime.