Here’s this week’s around-the-grounds update:
• Another great game of footy for the Under 9 white team this weekend against the Aspley Hornets. Saturday morning was very windy so our team learned how to take advantage of it whilst in our favour and how to change tactics when against them. There was a great flow to the game with both side giving lots of pressure when needed and displaying great ball skills at all times. Coaches Aaron and Shaun did a great job again instilling positivity and team spirit into our game. With only one more game left to play it is hard to believe this footy season is all but nearly over for these champs.

Under 12 Community Cup: Sandgate Reds ventured to Morningside for the long awaited top-of-the-table clash with Sandgate undefeated and Morningside only having lost once…. to Sandgate the first time around. The first quarter saw a top exhibition of football with both sides showing their ability to get it forward. George Mills got plenty of the ball early, hitting the scoreboard for Sandgate and looked in line for a big game until copping a heavy knock and spending some time off the ground. Luca Renew was giving Sandgate a target across half forward with his movement and skill. Both defences were under pressure and held firm with a low, close score at the first break. Morningside were able to get on top with their ball movement during the second quarter and established a 2 goal break by half time. Both defences held tight through an even second half with Xavier Shea and Sam Spring-Brown performing well for the Hawks. Morningside held on to win by 16 points and set the scene for a return clash in the Grand Final. George Mills contributed 3 goals with other good performances for Sandgate from Nathan Forbes, Alex Hanvey and Jack Rodgers.
• Under 15 Girls: It was a hot day for the girls as we looked to continue the good form they have shown this year. Last time we played Mt Gravatt they really took it up to us, and kicked the highest score we have had kicked against us all year. From the first bounce, it was clear the girls had turned up ready for the challenge, some terrific handballs in the middle, kicked forward and a goal in the first 30 seconds. The first quarter ended up seeing the girls play some of the best footy they have played all year. Kendra was on the end of a lot of the good work and kicked 3 first quarter goals. The team continued to work hard for one another, link up and tackle for the rest of the game. Some of the play was easily the best footy they have played in the last two seasons.
Vianne was sensational all day, she just keeps finding the footy and is having a great year. Kendra and Scarlett both played well up forward. Charlotte, Hannah and Emily applied some great defensive work in the forward line as well to keep the ball locked in. Willo attacked the ball at fullback strongly, and both Bettington sisters were consistent as well. It really was a day where everyone played their roles and contributed to the win. Very proud of the girls, their development has been pleasing and it’s a great reward for all their hard work to see them playing so well. The final score was 100-6.
Under 16: This week saw the Under 16 boys travel to Wynnum in what was to be a scorcher of a day. The boys were playing this week with a focus on ball movement and moving forward. With three players away and losing big H in the second quarter this was a different team dynamic to what we are used to. The boys led the game the whole way through controlling the tempo and the speed, being the better team with the ball in hand. Everyone played their role and stepped into new spaces when needed. Ending the day with eight goal scorers from the team with special mention going to Ethan Cannon, Brayden Powis and Jordan Taglieri bagging themselves three snags apiece. Final score – Wynnum 2.1.13 to Sandgate 14.9.93.
A big thank you to our A team of volunteers this week – Tanya Bath, Warwick Dyke, Lino Taglieri, Tom Bellgardt, David O’Halloran, Ryan Jessep and runner of the year Shane Watterson. You are all what makes this club so special and this team a delight to be a part of! Two games left before the big dance for the boys, heading into Redcliffe at Redcliffe undefeated. We are playing this Friday under lights in what is sure to be a cracker of a game. Go Hawkies!
• Colts: Sandgate travelled to Dauth Park, Beenleigh to take on Victoria Point in a must- win preliminary final for the right to be in the Grand Final. The game started out with greasy conditions due to overnight rain, and the contest was a real arm-wrestle in the first quarter. The Sharks kicked away a bit with two early goals, but Sandgate pegged it back to lead by a point before a late Sharks goal had them leading by a straight kick at quarter time. Vic Point bagged the only goal of the second quarter from a soft free kick in their forward 50 and then put on three unanswered goals in the third to all but seal the win. Full credit to the Hawks boys that they did not lie down in the last quarter, winning quick ball from the centre and putting on two quick goals to stun the Sharks for a moment. Sandgate actually ended up winning that quarter, piling on five goals to three. The final score was 10.9.69 to 7.5.47. Goal Kickers: H. Elliott 2, H. Sweeney 2, M. O’Sullivan 2, B. Carter. Best Players: H. Sweeney, B. Carter, M. Grimshaw, C. Harrop, M. O’Sullivan, B. Thomson. Thanks again to the Under 16 boys who played up, and to all our volunteers and coaching/support staff. The Colts finished the regular season in third place on the ladder winning 6 out of 9 games with a percentage of 191.58. They then won their semi-final and were competitive in the preliminary final. Well done everyone on an awesome season!