Reply to thread

Ruckman Jonathan Croad stars but Palm Beach-Currumbin lose QAFL qualifying final to Mt Gravatt

AN outstanding performance from Palm Beach-Currumbin ruckman Jonathan Croad went in vain when the Lions lost a cracking QAFL qualifying final on Saturday.

Croad, 24 and in his first season on the Gold Coast, was superb when the Lions fell to the Western Magpies by 13.10 (88) to 12.12 (84) at Salk Oval.

It was certainly no fault of Croad that PBC are now in sudden-death mode and playing the first semi-final, also at Salk Oval, next weekend.

“He was brilliant,” coach Chad Owens said of the big man who rucked almost without a break on the bench on his way to 28 possessions and a domination of the taps.

Croad’s special gift is his ability both in the air and on the ground. He played like he was a ruck-rover.

“It was probably one of my better games,” Croad said.

“I was OK at the start of the season, then I injured my groin midway through the season and I’m just getting a bit of touch back.”

PBC gained Croad’s services courtesy of his friendship with Gold Coast Suns star Tom Lynch.

What about Lynchy recruiting for the local teams now! This bloke is certainly doing all he can to improve Gold Coast football!