Dethroned AFLQ Schools Cup kings Palm Beach Currumbin confident they can succeed in 2020

Dethroned AFLQ Schools Cup kings Palm Beach Currumbin have vowed to bounce back after their controversial last-gasp grand final loss to Helensvale. SEE WHAT HAPPENED IN OUR FULL MATCH REPLAY

DETHRONED AFLQ Schools Cup kings Palm Beach Currumbin have vowed not to let their “heartbreaking” grand final loss to Helensvale derail their 2020 title bid, insisting they have the talent to return bigger and better next year.

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PBC’s three-year reign as senior male titleholders came to a controversial end on Sunday when a last-gasp free kick – converted by Aidan Fyfe – sealed a 3.6 (24) to 3.2 (20) Helensvale win at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex.

While disappointed with the outcome, PBC co-coach Peter Hill said the school’s success against St Augustine’s College in the junior male decider would ensure they were in the mix to reclaim their throne next season.

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“A lot of the juniors will come (into the team) from Year 9 next year so we’re very excited about what’s coming up,” Hill said.

“We were really proud of their effort (on Sunday). We’ve played Helensvale twice this year and lost by about five goals both times so we knew we had our work cut out to bridge that gap.

Helensvale (green and blue) do battle with Palm Beach Currumbin (red) in the AFLQ Schools Cup grand final. Picture credit: AFLQ

“We went in as the underdogs and the boys stuck to the plan well. We fell just short unfortunately but we’re very proud of their effort and how they responded. It’s been a very strong and healthy rivalry (with Helensvale) for a long time.”

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PBC’s three previous title triumphs had all come against Helensvale, who helped Gold Coast teams claim five of this year’s eight grand finals.

Hill said the nature of his side’s defeat in the decider stung but said his troops had chances to seal victory prior to the free kick.

“Heartbreaking is probably the best way to put it,” Hill said of the loss.

“It’s hard when games are decided like that. You’ve just got to ride it and hope you’ve put yourself in a position to win the game.

“We had a shot a couple of minutes earlier and hit the post, so a goal there and we would’ve been up by seven points and probably won the game.

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“That’s footy and hopefully they learn what it’s like to bounce back.

“It’s a great competition, AFL Queensland have done really well the last three years to put this in place. It makes something worthwhile for the kids to try and achieve.”