PREMIERSHIP contenders Bond University and Southport go head-to-head in a massive Round 4 clash at the former’s home deck as the QAFL Women’s continues over the weekend. The sides are ranked second and first respectively, having gone undefeated in the 2023 season thus far, with ridiculous percentages of more than 500.

BOND UNIVERSITY vs. SOUTHPORT
Saturday, May 6 @ Bond University, 4:45pm

Bond University kicked off its year with a dominant 98-point win over Maroochydore, before a far tougher assignment against Coorparoo, winning by 12 points. In the Bull Sharks’ only road trip for the first month, Bond University came away with the four points against Wilston Grange, winning 11.9 (75) to 2.5 (17) at Hickey Park.

Southport has set the benchmark in season 2023 with a remarkable 80-point win over University of Queensland in Round 1 for the grand final rematch. The Sharks then went on to smash Wilston Grange 66-2, before getting past Aspley Hornets by 31 points. Though their most challenging task yet, the Sharks will be tested even more against the Bull Sharks.

Steph O’Brien had a ridiculous 42-disposal game last week to average 30.7 for the season, as well as 3.7 marks and 6.3 inside 50s. Ex-Cat Carly Remmos and Madeleine Watt are also averaging over 25 disposals, with the latter claiming a team-high 3.7 clearances per game. Georgia Breward and Rianna Schipp are both prime ball-winners who can get their team on top.

Youth is leading the way with Bond University on the scoreboard with Ava Usher and Havana Harris each booting four goals in their respective solitary match. Ella Calleja (26 disposals, five marks, three inside 50s and two goals) has been in good form, but unfortunately none of the trio are playing. Georgia Johnson and Courtney Sexton (both averaging 21 disposals) are among the ones set to lift for the Bull Sharks, while Jemma Blair is an important inclusion out of Tasmania and North Melbourne VFLW.

Southport will be favourites for the clash given its start to the season has been a level above, though Bond University looms as the Sharks’ biggest challengers. Both sides are missing some incredibly talented young players, but will still put on a great show.

WILSTON GRANGE vs. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Saturday, May 6 @ Hickey Park, 2:00pm

Reigning premiers University of Queensland is still searching for its first win, struggling with the heavy turnover of players since its 2022 flag. The Red Lionesses have a percentage of 10.77 and an 0-3 record, and travel to Hickey Park to face the reigning wooden spooners, Wilston Grange who has dropped the past two games since winning in Round 1 against Yeronga South Brisbane.

Incredibly, Wilston Grange is unveiling 2008-born talent Mia Geere for her QAFL Women’s debut despite not being draft eligible until 2026. The talented midfielder is coming off an impressive AFLW Under 16s campaign and will be one to watch alongside Zimra Hussain who is averaging a team-high 25 touches per game. Ava Seton has been enormous for the Red Lionesses this season, averaging 26.7 disposals this season.

MAROOCHYDORE vs. ASPLEY
Saturday, May 6 @ Neil Upton Oval, 4:45pm

A third against fifth clash takes place on the Sunshine Coast with the Roos still struggling with percentage at just 57.78 after that heavy loss to Bond University in Round 1. By comparison, Aspley has a 154.74 per cent record off the back of a win, draw and loss so far this season. a win will see the Hornets in contention for third spot, and definitely grabbing a top four position.

Sara-Jane O’Grady and Renee Teys have been strong performers for the Roos in the absence of Brisbane tall Kiara Hillier and will look to continue their great seasons this weekend. It will be a big game for Aspley’s Mikayla Martin who returns to her old stomping ground averaging 26 disposals and four clearances per game for the Hornets. Courtney Daniec and Lucia Liessi are also among Aspley’s key players this season.

COORPAROO vs. YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE
Saturday, May 6 @ Giffin Park, 4:45pm

Coorparoo will be strong favourites at home against Yeronga South Brisbane as the fourth placed Kings look to leapfrog the Roos into third spot with a victory. The Devils are yet to get on the board in 2023, and sit percentage clear of last placed University of Queensland.

The Kings will be minus their two biggest ball-winners this season in Brisbane premiership skipper Emma Zielke, and natural ball-winner Lucy Schneider. They do have depth though with Jessica Watts and Ayla Fetahagic both playing well. for the Devils, Ebony Milne is a name to keep in mind for this year’s AFLW Draft, while Farradai Hopkins is averaging a team-high 16 disposals this season.