Caloundra product Daniel Dzufer and 2006 Queensland Under 18 captain Albert Proud continued their good form as Suncoast crushed lowly Redland in their AFLQ Velocity Sports Cup match at the Gabba on Saturday.

The rich vein of form came too late for Dzufer to earn selection in the Queensland team to play Tasmania last weekend, for which he was eligible, but sets up a big second half of the year for the duo.

Dzufer has been strong as a wingman and half-back over the last three weeks, while Proud booted six goals in the 26.18 (174)-4.7 (31) victory over the Bombers.

It was a cakewalk from the outset, with the Lions proving too quick on the big Gabba ground, and too strong in the contests against a largely youthful combination.

The victory took Suncoast a game clear in fifth spot on the premiership table, although they have now played an extra game than their nearest pursuers Broadbeach and Zillmere.

The massive win on the weekend has given Suncoast a huge percentage advantage over the Cats and Eagles, worth an extra game.

The Lions play second placed Southport in what should be an outstanding contest at Fankhauser Reserve this Saturday afternoon, before having their own bye the following weekend.

The other six clubs had last weekend off as the State team beat Tasmania in Launceston in a high standard clash, and the Queensland Under 21 team beat the VAFA Under 19s in Melbourne.

Recruiting officers from AFL clubs were out in force at both games, where Morningside’s Kent Abey and David Lillico orchestrated the Queensland win in Tasmania, and Southport’s Tauryan Zimmer, Ben Merrett and Steve Brittain starred in the junior game.

The good news for the Lions was not only the good form of rookie listed player Dzufer and senior listed draftee Proud, but a solid game by utility Matt Moody.

Playing his second game back from injury, Moody got plenty of the ball to make his push for senior selection.

Will Hamill and Scott Harding were prolific in the midfield, while Wayde Mills was reliable as ever.

Redland’s average losing margin last season was in excess of 100 points after a massive player exodus, but this game was only the second time this season the improving young side had been beaten by three figures.

Former Suncoast player Blake Passfield was one of his side’s hardest triers, while the experience Craig Millar and Phil Carse did everything they could to lift their young teammates.

Scoreboard:

Suncoast Lions, 5.6, 14.10, 19.14, 26.18 (174)

Redland, 0.3, 1.4, 3.4, 4.7 (31)

Goals, Suncoast: A Proud 6, C Wood 3, J Roe 3, B Weightman 2, M Moody 2, W Mills 2, M Tyler 2, B Wallis, D Dzufer, W Hamill, A Pinda, J James, S Harding 1. Redland: J Pantic, C Millar, C Brown, A Mueller.

Best, Suncoast: D Dzufer, A Proud, M Moody, W Hamill, W Mills, S Harding. Redland: C Millar, P Carse, B Passfield, C Brown, C Blythe.