Around the Grounds update, Weekend 11-13 September 2020
Six months ago, the 2020 AFL season was in danger of extinction at all levels thanks to COVID-19. Players and their families were in isolation, trying to keep fit on their own or maybe with a sibling or a mate. Then we were allowed to train in groups of 10 then 20. Finally, we were given the green light to strap on the boots for real, and our season began on Friday July 10.
Thanks to low case numbers and Queenslanders co-operating with COVID protocols, not only were we able to get community football up and running, Queensland became the focus of AFL at a national level. Hubs were set up so that the AFL could continue and Queenslanders were able to see the best AFL footballers do their thing live every week, culminating with the right to hold the AFL Grand Final in our great state, the first time it has ever been held outside Victoria!
Locally, SEQAFL has decided that finals would be a top of the table clash only, like the Sheffield Shield cricket competition. As each game has been a bonus, participating in any finals is more than we could have hoped for. We are now reaching the pointy end of our season and some Hawks youth teams are eligible to participate in their own big day. With two rounds remaining, the undefeated Under 16 Boys and Under 15 Girls teams have booked their spots, as has the Under 12 Community Cup side. The Under 12 Conference Cup side is also a mathematical chance, but needs results to go their way to qualify. All our finals will be held over one weekend from October 9 to 11 at Cansdale Street, Yeronga. So put that weekend in your diary, there will be top quality AFL to watch at Yeronga involving our mighty Hawks!

Over 45s
WHAT A DAY. The final official game for the year, couldn’t have asked for much better, Home ground, clear skies and plenty of excitement and enthusiasm. Taking on the Bulldogs from down the M1, was the last chance to notch up a win for 2020. With a few forced changes made from previous weeks, we had a great team on the board. With Butcher finally in for the first appearance this year, Shirley called up to add some depth to the midfield, combined with the run from Sullivan it was certainly going to be putting our best foot forward in the middle. To add some cream on top we had Midson, travel back mid camping trip to take control in the guts with his leadership. The over 45s started out of the blocks quickly and scored the first goal in the opening minutes of the game. It set the tone early and Butcher and the midfield group ran rings around them. Sadly our accuracy was waning, and only managed to kick more points. The Bulldogs rallied and they too, had an attack of the yips and couldn’t kick straight at the sticks either. Our Backs, led by Paddy, were solid all day and repelled everything that came at them all day. The pressure on the ball carrier was immense from both sides and at the last break the scores were 1.7.13 to 1.5.11. The final qtr was an arm wrestle, both teams players were out on their feet, the backline kept up the pressure and only allowed a solitary behind through. Midson stepped up and provided a calming response to the back and forth nature of the final quarter where nothing else was scored. The final score left us 1 point victors over a valiant Bulldogs. 1.7.13 to 1.6.12. What a way to finish the season, with a win at home and finally get to sing our song.
Over 35s
Relishing the opportunity to play in near perfect conditions under twilight at home. After seeing our Legends get a win, the pressure was on us to back that up with a rare double victory at home. We started strongly and managed to get first touch of the footy and scored quickly. After a flourish of goals in the first quarter it set us up for a 3 goal lead in the first break. Again the effort was outstanding with every player on task, and Alex Colefax and Timmy J, alternating in the ruck and really improving on their taps to advantage. With our midfield in full control, we continued to apply the pressure to the Bulldogs, and with Walks getting released up forward, instantly made an impact on the scoreboard. It was to be the start of the Suitor and Widt show. In the second half we amped up the pressure and steadied our delivery into the forward half, our wingers having heaps of space to run, Mick W, Hanley and Tiggity Tom all dominating across the middle and combining with our gold class midfield headed by George and today’s Captain Alex Gray.. The third quarter our casualties started to mount, with down to 1 on the bench, losing Alex Colefax, George and Alex Gray all to injury in the 3rd term, we turned to Barra to finish the ruck work in the last term. Keeping them to only one goal to 3 in the final we coasted home to victory. 12.3. 75 to 3.1.19. With Widt finishing with a clinic on 7 snags, Walks 2 and Barra 1, with Massa and Fuller for 1 each. The Year has finished on a high for the Masters for a double win at home in front of a great supporting crowd. Our attention turns to the Masters vs Old Boys game on 3rd of October, and how to stop the Suitor and Widt show, along with the other stars of the decades past. Special Thanks again to our Volunteers, Adam Breen our First aider, and Kenny Jnr, who Umpired both games after playing in a hard fought game of Colts earlier in the day. Thanks to Suzie and Leigh for the food and drink, Sarah Banks for manning the Bar for our celebratory drinks after the game, Steiny and Lidds for running our raffles. Dudz and Craigo for helping on the bench rotations and timekeeping duties. Also Thanks to anyone else I may have missed, without many hands we can not function each week. Finally don’t forget to come down for the old Boys game in 2 weeks (3rd of October at 3pm) and Presentation Family day on the 10th. Check our Facebook page and Team app for more info on our events.