Dominant first half sets up 39-point Labrador win over Morningside in QAFL Reserves decider
Almost five years to the day since their last grand final, Labrador’s QAFL Reserves exacted ultimate revenge on Morningside at Fankhauser Reserve. RECAP >> s
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The long-running QAFL Reserves rivalry between Labrador and Morningside added another thrilling chapter on Saturday and, for the first time, was written in favour of the Tigers.
A dominant first-half from the minor premiers propelled Labrador to a 10.16-76 to 5.7-37 win over the Panthers at Fankhauser Reserve.
It was Labrador’s first Reserve Grade premiership since 2015 and grand final since 2016 - the day Morningside knocked the then-reigning premiers off their perch.
Two years earlier the Panthers had also gotten the better of the Tigers in the decider.
Indeed since 2014, Morningside had won four of the past seven Reserve Grade flags including three of the past five.
But 2021 belonged to Labrador.
Just two weeks after the Panthers won a one-point qualifying final thriller between the two sides, Labrador produced its best on the big stage to make it two wins from two for the club, following the Colts’ earlier success.
Matthew Watmuff was the only player from that 2016 Tigers team remaining on Saturday and it was just desserts for the hard-working halfback to finally taste grand final glory.
Patrick Turner was dominant playing out of the square with four goals for the Tigers, well-accompanied by centre half-forward Rhys Coombe (2 goals) and small forwards Blair Rubock (3 goals) and Shaydan Close (1 goal).
QAFL RESERVES GRAND FINAL
Labrador 10.16-76 (P. Turner 4, B. Rubock 3, R. Coombe 2, S. Close) def. Morningside 5.7-37 (B. Murray 3, D. D’Roza, E. Mallan) at Fankhauser Reserve
‘Tex’ lights it up as Labrador caps unbeaten season with Colts flag
Labrador ruckman Nathan Wright is a man of few words.
He lets his footy – and haircut – do the talking.
The pre-season Tigers transplant known to the faithful as ‘Tex’, for his mullet and moustache combo reminiscent of the Adelaide Crows key forward, was named best on ground as Labrador completed a perfect QAFL Colts season on Saturday.
The Tigers led at every change against Gold Coast rivals Broadbeach to run out 14.7-91 to 6.8-44 victors at Fankhauser Reserve and put the perfect punctuation point on a flawless campaign.
“It’s elite mate,” Wright said of the 47-point win.
Labrador burst out of the blocks kicking five goals to one in the opening term, which settled the nerves of coach Nick Jackson who admitted to a nervous night prior as the pressure of an unbeaten season began to take hold.
“We didn’t want to choke,” Wright said.
“On Thursday in the changerooms we were all thinking about it – I’m sure he (Jackson) had a few worries but I knew the boys would be able to get it done.
“The first quarter started at a really high tempo but once the boys relaxed into it and cooled our heads we really ripped in.”
Best on ground was the icing on the cake for the Townsville product, who moved to the Coast in the pre-season to further his footy at Southport and Labrador.
It was Labrador senior coach Nick Malceski who gave the gun ruck his nickname, which will stick for as long as he remains a Tiger.
“My first day at the club Malceski saw me and said ‘Tex’. He knew straight away,” Wright joked.
“The stingy mullet and mo combo, it had to be. Now everyone knows me as Tex. I’m stuck with it.”
Wright was a worthy best on ground recipient, though midfielder Campbell Lake would have come close with a stellar display through the middle of the ground.
“I thought he might have gotten the B. O. G there. I reckon he got 40 or 50 (touches),” Wright said.
“But the boys all ripped in. It was a real team effort.”
QAFL COLTS GRAND FINAL
Labrador 14.7-91 (J. Young 3, S. Mercer 3, B. Brown 2, A. Fyfe 2, K. Nicholls, J. Riddle, N. Wright, T. Milde) def. Broadbeach 6.8-44 (C. Robson 2, K. Cumming 2, C. Parkes, J. Semmler) at Fankhauser Reserve, Labrador
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