PRIDE Round 2022 in the QAFLW proved to be an entertaining one, as the quadruple header at Leyshorn Park settled many questions surrounding the makeup of the finals.

The match that had the most riding on it was the clash between Southport and Coorparoo, with both teams looking to secure their place in the finals.

Ultimately it was the Sharks who won by 14 points, after they kicked away in the second half after both sides had a low scoring first half. The win ensures Southport will play finals in what is its debut season in the QAFLW, while at the same time ending Coorparoo’s season.

It was a low scoring affair in the opening term.

Southport dominated the territory game, but just lacked the composure in front of goals and ultimately could not convert.

Coorparoo enjoyed some forward 50 time late in the quarter, but could not convert either.

Ultimately as the teams went into the first break, neither had scored a major and it was the Sharks who led by three points.

It was much the same again in the second term, but this time around there was actually a goal.

Yes only about two minutes into the term Selina Priest was far from her usual defensive home but it did not matter as she was able to slot one through to give the Sharks a proper lead.

That goal proved to be the only one for the quarter as the ball spent much of the remainder of the period between the arcs, and it was a free flowing contest.

This meant at the major break things sat at a nine point margin in favour of the Sharks.

Southport continued to have much of the momentum in the early parts of the third term, but took until the nine minute mark to put another major on the board, when Caitlin Miller did so to extend the Shark lead out to 16 points.

Just when it was starting to look like the Kings were going to go goalless for the third quarter in a row, Chelsea Chesterfield kicked a stunning goal to reignite not only the Kings in this game, but the Kings’ season, which was very much on the line.

Chesterfield’s goal meant that at three quarter time the margin was back to eight points, and things were starting to get interesting for both sides.

Coorparoo did all the attacking to begin the final term, but just could not convert.

However, when Southport finally did get some opportunities, and two goals in as many minutes from Brianna McFarlane (her second for the day) ensured Southport were going to be playing finals in their debut season in the QAFLW.

Gabriella Abi-Fares got one back for Coorparoo after the siren, but it was a case of too little too late.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Yeronga South Brisbane finished its frustrating season on a positive note, with a win over fellow bottom two side Wilston Grange.

The Devils only led by two points at the first change, but a three-goal to one second term really instigated their path to victory.

For the Devils, Courtney McDonnell kicked three majors, while Adrienne Keefe booted two. Grace Moodie, Ebony Milne and Jess Matthews all had great games for the Devils.

Meanwhile for the Gorillas, Daisy Carter and Kitara Farrar were their two majors scorers, while Annabel Pettigrew, Chloe Litherland and recent Rising Star nominee Holly O’Flaherty were among their best as a frustrating season came to its conclusion.

The University of Queensland (UQ) warmed up for finals nicely with a 11-point win over Aspley.

The Hornets actually led at the final change but a three goal to none final term from the Red Lionesses ensured victory and the minor premiership were both theirs.

For UQ Jessica Stallard had another good afternoon in front of the sticks, booting two majors, while Rachel Vetter booted four of Aspley’s five goals for the afternoon.  

Jasmine Dekker had another stellar game for UQ, as did Stephanie O’Brien and Kaitlyn Day, while Maddison Kawa, Lucy Pengelly and Rania Crozier all played well for the Hornets.

Although the fates of both Bond Uni and Maroochydore had been decided earlier in the day, Bond still had plenty to play for, with second place still on the line.

After scores were dead even at half time, the Bull Sharks put the foot down in the second half and scored five goals to one on their way to a 27 point win.

Jordann Hickey booted five majors for the Bull sharks, while Georgia Hutton, Alani Eddy and Annie Muir all had great games.

Meanwhile for Maroochydore Mikayla Martin proved to be quite the dangerous target up forward and booted two majors, while Imagen David, Te aroangi Jordan and Amber Swan all had good games.