Gold Coast coach reacts to 2020 QAFL draw release

Palm Beach Currumbin coach Jess Sinclair says his team’s bid to reclaim the QAFL flag has only become more difficult with the release of their 2020 fixtures. Read Sinclair’s full reaction and the top five Gold Coast fixtures to watch here.

PALM Beach Currumbin coach Jess Sinclair says his team’s bid to reclaim the QAFL flag has only become more difficult with the release of their 2020 fixtures.

The Lions three byes will come all in the first-half of the season, Round 1, 5 and between 8 and 9 when the representative fixture will be held.

It leaves PBC staring down a run of nine games straight going into what they hope will be another finals campaign.

“It’s not great for us,” Sinclair said.

“It’s going to be tough because the back end of the year is hard. Blokes go away and injuries add up.

QAFL semi-final between Palm Beach Currumbin and Surfers Paradise at Salk Oval. Photo of Josh Wooley

“We will be up against it but there are other clubs who will be in the same boat. It is what it is.”

AFL Queensland released the 2020 QAFL fixture on Tuesday, with the nine teams to play 16 games across the 20 round season.

It will commence on the Easter long weekend with the traditional Good Friday fixture between the rebranded Sherwood Magpies and Wilston Grange.

With seven teams enjoying the bye in Round 1, the second week of the season provides the first opportunity to see a full slate of games, headlined by the grand final rematch between Palm Beach Currumbin and Surfers Paradise at Salk Oval.

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The reigning premiers usually unfurl their flag in the rematch but it will be the Lions who will have the honours in the clash while the Demons will unfurl the flag in their ANZAC Round blockbusters include Surfers Paradise unfurling their 2019 Premiership Flag in front of their fans during their first home game of the 2020 season, when they host traditional rivals Labrador at Sir Bruce Small Park.

Competition Manager – QAFL and Colts, Matt Bialkowski, said he hopes the 2020 fixture will continue on from an exciting and competitive 2019.

“Last year was our most competitive season yet, and with the introduction of Maroochydore for 2020, we will see a very dynamic competition take shape,” Bialkowski said.

“Making the top five at the business end of the season will not be an easy feat for any club this year, and our finals will certainly showcase some entertaining football.”

Broadbeach will have the task of ruining Maroochydore’s first home game since entering the competition this season on April 25.

A competition-wide bye will occur between Rounds 8 and 9, with the QAFL representative side hosting the Victoria Amateur Football Association (VAFA) at Hickey Park on Sunday June 7. The game will be preceded by the Bond University QAFLW match between Wilston Grange and Coolangatta.

A five-team finals’ structure will commence following the home and away season and will culminate with the Grand Final scheduled for Saturday, September 19.

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

■ Round 2 (grand final rematch) – Palm Beach Currumbin v Surfers Paradise. April 18, Salk Oval, 2pm.

■ Round 3 (Anzac round) – Surfers Paradise v Labrador. April 25, Sir Bruce Small Park, 2pm.

■ Round 10 (Pride round) – Broadbeach v Maroochydore. June 20, Subaru Oval, 2pm.

■ Round 4 (Labour Day long weekend derby) – Broadbeach v Surfers Paradise. May 3, Subaru Oval, 2pm.

■ Round 12 – (Col Burke Cup and Tigers’ 50-year premiership reunion) Labrador v Surfers Paradise. July 4, Cooke-Murphy Oval, 2pm.

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