A THREE goals to nil third term was all it took for third placed Bond University to secure the win over a brave Maroochydore up on the Sunshine Coast, running out 5.8 (38) to 3.1 (19) winners. The Bull Sharks travelled north as heavy favourites, but found the going tough early through a mixture of inaccuracy and staunch defending, but eventually broke through for a 19-point victory.

Bond University might have headed in as favourites, but the Roos, backed up by a patriotic crowd, were ready to take it up to the title contenders at Neil Upton Oval. By quarter time, the fans were pleased with what their team had produced, trailing by just a point at the first change. Then by the main break, neither team had added a goal and the Bull Sharks for all their forward half presence, managed just the four behinds to one, to lead 1.5 to 1.1.

The real difference came in the third quarter where the Bull Sharks got back to business, kicking 3.2 to 0.0 showing why the term is the premiership quarter. Jasmyn Davidson was her crafty self, as the Bull Sharks set themselves up for the win. Though the Roos did try and claw their way back, could only manage the two goals to one in the final term to go down by 19 points.

Maroochydore only had 19 inside 50s and still kicked three goals, but the weight of numbers was always with the Bull Sharks who clunked 10 marks inside 50 from 41 entries and managed to convert the 13 scoring shots. Across the board the Roos held their own, but turnovers hurt with 27 clangers to 16, while Bond University plucked off 12 intercept marks to seven.

Paris Lightfoot had 22 disposals and three inside 50s for the Bull Sharks, with Courtney Sexton and Christy Landwehr also among the top ball-winners. Davidson was prolific through the ruck with 29 hitouts from 13 disposals, but also converted the two goals.

Kelsee Sills brought her own ball to the game for Maroochydore, picking up 32 touches, to lead the way from Renee Teys (26 disposals). Jya Epstein and Sara-Jane O’Grady were again among the more prominent players, while Kiara Hillier tried hard for the green and gold.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Southport continued on its winning way with another crushing win in the second grand final rematch, defeating University of Queensland by 49 points at Fankhauser Reserve. The Sharks had a whopping 163 more disposals – highlighted by 185 additional uncontested possessions – as they controlled play and went inside 50 a total of 48 times to 13. It all added up to a dominant performance, and another big win, 7.9 (51) to 0.2 (2).

North Adelaide premiership skipper Kristi Harvey made her debut for the unbeaten Sharks, named among the best with Jess Maher and Leigh Alder. Steph O’Brien and Carly Remmos were once again prominent. Ava Seton was the standout for the Red Lionesses, while Jane Childes was also named among the best.

Aspley also put in a commanding shift to come away with a 53-point win over Coorparoo. The Hornets were just too strong for the Kings despite bouts of inaccuracy, and kicked 9.14 (68) to 2.3 (15). Hanna Brennan, Finn Davies and Emma Lendrum all kicked multiple goals for the Hornets, as Jaimie Bryant was named best-on. For the Kings, Bonnie Farrell and Ayla Fraser battled on all game.

Wilston Grange’s sensational bounce-back year from the wooden spoon rolled out with another victory, this time against winless Yeronga South Brisbane. The Gorillas had a fight on their hands early, but kicked five goals to one after quarter time to secure the 6.7 (43) to 1.4 (10) win. Kalista-Jayne Shiner and Mackenzie Findlay were the standouts for the Gorillas, while young gun Mia Geere kicked two majors. Kara Stock and Lucy Bellinger were the Devils’ best.