Hinterland Blues reach semi-finals in only second year since promotion
The 2024 Hinterland Blues Seniors • Pic: SportsDay Photography
• Back row from left: Brendan Palmer (Assistant Coach), Suz Lund (Trainer), Mckenzie Lawrence, Rhys Magin, Keenan James, Jet Wikaire, Isaac Richardson, Zane Partridge-McDougall, Ben Kristelly, Callum Lee, Darcy McKendry, Darcy Brosnan, Bryce Alder, Bailey Finlay, Phil Birchmore (Coach), Steve Senn (Assistant Coach), Jessica Popple (Manager)
• Front row from left: Noah Widdicombe, Jake Watts, Dominic Killworth, Thomas Wischnat (Vice Captain), Callum Mann (Captain), Nathan Spring (Captain),
Josh Nanninga (Vice-Captain), Jack Karalekas, Matthew Lombardo, Tieronne Cuffe
• Absent: Xandar Harrison, Jeremy Mills, Benjamin Sloan, Elijah Modlin, Jackson Mangion, Kurtis Ronalds, Zac Diekman, Nick Collins, Mitchell Godfrey, Louis McCormick, Daniel.
The Hinterland Blues Senior AFL team has secured a place in the QFA Division 1 semi-final after a 112-56 victory over Springwood in the elimination final on Saturday (August 10).
This marks a significant achievement for the Blues, who were promoted to QFA Division 1 just last year after winning the QFA Division 2 North Seniors premiership in 2022.
Their inaugural season was marred by injuries to key players, making this year’s success all the more impressive.
The Blues now face a crucial semi-final against the University of Queensland on August 17.
The last time the Blues met University during the regular season, they were defeated 109-78, a result they’ll be keen to overturn as they aim for a place in the final.
2024 HINTERLAND BLUES SENIOR CAPTAINS: Joshua Nanninga (Vice Captain), Callum Mann (Captain), Nathan Spring (Captain), Thomas Wischnat (Vice Captain). Pic: SportsDay Photography
The team’s supporters are hopeful that this year’s run will see them continue their climb in the division.
Congratulations to Hinterland Blues Senior Reserves who also beat Springwood on Saturday. They will also take on UQ at UQ this Saturday in the next round of finals.
Meanwhile, the Blues Ladies and Thirds played their last games for the year. In only their first year in the Comp, the Thirds team have backed it up each week and created a great building block for the years to come.
Meanwhile, the Ladies have also been in a building phase, with a stack of new players making their AFL debut this year. A big thank you to coaches Peter Southern & Trent Carter for their hard work this year.
Finally, the 13 Girls are off to the finals, with a big win over Coolum this weekend. The 13 mixed and 15 girls weren't so lucky, but have had a wonderful season.
A big thank you to Under 13 mixed Coach, Dave, and 15 girls Coach, Dave for a wonderful season! The Juniors have one more week to go, and club members look forward to cheering on our 13 Girls in their finals journey.
—-
Seniors:
Blues 16.16 (112) v. Springwood 7.14 (56)
Goals: T. Wischnat (4) sponsored by Urban Certifiers; R. Magin (4); J. Nanninga; K. James; B. Kristelly; D. Killworth; X. Harrison; N. Spring; D. Bence; T. Cuffe
Bests: M. Lawrence; J. Nanninga; N. Widdicombe; M. Godfrey; T. Wischnat sponsored by Urban Certifiers; B. Kristelly
---
Ressies:
Blues 9.5 (59) v. Springwood 7.10 (52)
Goals: C. Lee (2); R. McCormack (2); D. Mccullough; R. Anderson; A. Baker; J. Modra
Bests: C. Lee; R. McCormack; J. Wikaire; M. Lombardo; D. Mccullough; L. McCormick
---
Thirds:
Eagles 12.12 (84) v. Blues 5.5 (25)
Goals: G. Poulsen; L. Southern; K. Anderson; A. Bray; C. Waterhouse
Bests: A. Coogan; J. Starlord; R. Riddle; C. Waterhouse; J. Corcoran; A. Watkins.