While Morningside have built a formidable combination in recent seasons on the back of their junior program, the Panthers have profited handsomely from Darling Downs recruits Upton and former premiership player Matt Logan.
Logan has taken a year off from football, but 100-gamer Upton continues to be an integral part of the Panthers machine.
He was one of the Panthers who swung the game in the big comeback win at Labrador a fortnight ago and was again in the thick of the action when Morningside powered past Aspley by 59 points at Esplen Oval last Sunday.
Upton was also among the best players when Morningside last played at Toowoomba’s Heritage Oval back in 2007 against the Redland Bombers.
His club has an excellent record on their trips to the Garden City, having beaten Redland by 64 points and the Brisbane Lions Reserves by 51 points in 2005.
The Magpies have lost all 26 games since their return to the State League last season, but pushed the Lions Reserves all the way last week before losing in the dying minutes.
The Panthers have much to play for on Saturday, however, with eight players seeking berths in the State team to play Tasmania the following Saturday, and top spot on the QAFL premiership table suddenly with a game’s reach following Southport’s upset loss to the NT Thunder in Darwin last Saturday night.
Last Modified on 16/07/2010 11:55
