LAST weekend saw Brisbane absolutely dismantle Gold Coast in the annual QClash, and one starring part of that Brisbane side was Jesse Wardlaw. She may not have racked up the disposals, but she really made an impact when she did touch the ball.

This player focus takes a specific look at her performance.

Jesse Wardlaw stats vs Gold Coast

Disposals: 8 (six kicks and two handballs)
Marks: 5
Tackles: 2
Hit outs: 2
Score: Four goals

FIRST QUARTER

Brisbane took a while to really get into the game in the opening quarter and Wardlaw was no different. She had a few chances to mark the ball, but was spoilt by friends and foes alike.

She did finally lay a really strong tackle on Jacqui Dupuy, which resulted in her earning a holding the ball free kick and a shot at goal. The shot resulted in the goal, but that was not the first time she would find the big sticks.

After the goal she continued to prove to be a stellar tall marking target, and even though she did not always mark it, her presence ensured her team mates could crumb the ball and keep attacking the forward line.  

SECOND QUARTER

In the early moments of the second term, she was certainly creating plenty of pressure for the Suns defenders even without the football.

She unfortunately for the Lions did give away a holding the ball free kick after a kick from Emily Bates did not quite make the distance.

After dropping a few marks early, she did manage to finally land an extremely strong mark on the lead, and was then able to wheel around and slot her second goal of the afternoon.

Although she was playing as Brisbane’s deepest forward, Wardlaw was not afraid to come up to the half forward area and try and make her presence felt on the game.

THIRD QUARTER

Her first interaction of the third term was a mark on the goal line which although was a very strong mark and excellent subsequent goal, kind of stole a potential goal off Isabel Dawes in the process.

Wardlaw continued to be a strong marking presence in the third term, but did not have to put too many shots up as the Lions really shared the scoring duties around.

FOURTH QUARTER

Much of Wardlaw’s game play in the last quarter was a continuation of what she had shown from earlier in the game.

She continued to prove to be a very strong marking target up forward for the Lions and she kicked her fourth goal of the match with another very straight kick. She also jumped into the ruck for a bit to do some pinch hitting.