Power 50: Gold Coast’s most influential teams
WHO are the most influential sporting teams on the Gold Coast? The Bulletin comes up with our top 10.
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GOLD COAST SPORT’S MOST INFLUENTIAL SPORTING TEAMS
1. GOLD COAST TITANS (NRL)
WITH southeast Queensland a rugby league stronghold, the influence of the Titans remains far-reaching.
While results on the field haven’t always been strong, their increased presence in grassroots sport means they continue to have a huge impact on the landscape.
2. GOLD COAST SUNS (AFL)
WITH a huge expat community on the Gold Coast, the Suns have become the “second team” for many Aussie rules fans.
From their junior coaching clinics to star players like Steven May, the club continues to shape our sport.
Success has so far eluded the club but they are laying the groundwork for the next generation.
3. NORTHCLIFE (SURF LIFESAVING)
THE perennial juggernaut of surf sports on the Coast, Northcliffe has superstars Shannon Eckstein, Harriet Brown and Courtney Hancock on their books.
Throw in the fact they have won the past 14 Australian surf lifesaving pointscore titles and their growing nipper influence, and Northcliffe remain part of the region’s sporting furniture.
4. TAMEKA BUTT, ELIZA CAMPBELL, MACKENZIE ARNOLD, ELISE KELLOND-KNIGHT, HAYLEY RASO (MATILDAS – FOOTBALL)
WHILE they may be lining up for the Matildas, there is no doubting the influence of these Gold and Tweed Coast products.
They are blazing a mighty trail for women footballers – an impact destined to only increase.
5. GOLD COAST DOLPHINS (CRICKET)
THEY may not own the profile of some of the teams above them but the Queensland Premier Grade side have a proud history of success as well as producing state and international players.
The explosion created by Twenty20 cricket is likely to only further boost their impact on the Coast.
6. GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD (SWIMMING)
FROM Pan Pac members to Commonwealth Games stars, Michael Bohl’s squad contains all the elements needed for success.
Tellingly, is one of only 10 of Swimming Australia’s high performance centres.
7. DJR TEAM PENSKE (SUPERCARS)
POWERHOUSE Stapylton-based team spearheaded by motorsport icons Roger Penske and Dick Johnson.
Won the teams’ championship last year and are now flying towards the 2018 drivers’ crown with Scott McLaughlin.
8. GOLD COAST KNIGHTS (FOOTBALL)
WITH a state league NPL promotion locked in for 2019, the heavyweights of Football Gold Coast are set to only strengthen their position.
The production line of footballers on the Coast means the Knights could hold the key to the future of the code.
9. BOND UNIVERSITY (RUGBY UNION)
WHILE a finals place eluded the Queensland Premier Rugby side this season, the club continues to be a vital stepping stone for aspiring Super Rugby players.
With colts teams as well, Bond are the club which offer a valuable pathway for young players hoping to progress beyond the Gold Coast District competition.
10. LABRADOR (HOCKEY)
THE Tigerstix may not have the numbers of other codes, but they remain the go-to club for aspiring hockey players on the Coast.
Internationals like Corey Weyer have come through their system and now promise to be the face of the sport.
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