Grand final agony turns to ecstasy for Palm Beach Currumbin’s Dale Neuhaus after Broadbeach win

HE was the hardluck story of Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 premiership triumph but redemption has been swift for one of the Lions’ rising stars.

HE was the hardluck story of Palm Beach Currumbin’s 2017 premiership triumph but redemption has been swift for Lions defender Dale Neuhaus.

Dropped for the returning Jesse Derrick on the eve of last year’s flag decider against Labrador, Neuhaus on Saturday vanquished his grand final demons in Palm Beach’s 14.16 (100) to 9.12 (66) victory over Broadbeach at Yeronga’s Leyshon Park.

The 21-year-old was a pillar of strength in the Lions’ backline, helping them become the fourth side – after Labrador, Morningside and Southport - to claim back-to-back QAFL premierships since 2000.

BEATEN CATS COACH WEIGHING FUTURE

Palm Beach Currumbin's Dale Neuhaus.

“I’m a Palmy junior from (the age of) six so to win it now is unbelievable. We’ve been kicking around together since October-November last year so we knew we had it in us and knew we were going to get up,” Neuhaus said.

“Last year I was dropped for the grand final for JD to come back so this year, to be there it’s unbelievable. (Last year) is probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with.

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“Being there (in the side) two weeks before and playing pretty well and two weeks later to find out I wasn’t there, that was tough to take.”

Having downed Broadbeach by 26 points in the grand final qualifier two weeks earlier, the minor premiers were forced to weather an early onslaught from the Cats, who took a 32-27 lead into the first change.

But with the class of Jack Anthony shining through en route to a five-goal, best on-ground performance, Palm Beach asserted their dominance in the second term to lead 7.7 (49) to 3.6 (36) at the main break.

The Cats refused to go away however, trading goals with the Lions in the premiership quarter to keep their dream alive trailing 72-52 heading into the final term.

The game was all but over when Anthony and Palm Beach co-captain Tom Thynne kicked the first two goals of the quarter, with Broadbeach grabbing a couple of late consolation goals to keep the scoreline respectable.

“It is a relief really,” Palm Beach coach Chad Owens said.

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“There’s a lot of teams that finish at the top of the ladder that don’t go on to win the grand final.”

“These boys work so hard. Everyone thinks it’s a talented list, but these boys work their bum off. They drive the culture of the football club and as a result, they get this reward at the end of the year.

“To be challenged, to be behind and to come back and edge our way back in front and then continue to go was really important.”

Hewago Oea was among the Cats’ best with three goals, while Matthew Fowler also finished with three majors.