A HOST of Under 18s returned to the QAFL Women’s and local Queensland competitions in the wake of the Suns and Lions Academies concluding their Coates Talent League stints. A hard-running winger booted five goals, and the respective captains caught the eye in a tight contest with representatives in three of the four QAFL Women’s matches.

QAFL Womens:

University of Queensland 4.5 (29) lost to Bond University 5.8 (38)

In the most anticipated match in Round 9, Bond University came away with the nine-point win over University of Queensland, as Gold Coast Suns Academy skipper Josie McCabe spearheaded the midfield.

She had 17 disposals – 62.5 per cent contested – one clearance, one inside 50 and laid seven tackles. McCabe teamed up well with double bottom-ager Ava Usher who had 14 disposals – 11 contested – three clearances, three inside 50s and five tackles.

Forward Ella Calleja (13 disposals, four marks, two tackles and six inside 50s was impressive in the front half, while Mia Salisbury had 12 disposals, three marks – two intercept – and three tackles in the win. Kiara Bischa (13 disposals, two marks) also played.

Lions Academy skipper Laura Roy (11 disposals, three clearances, four tackles and two inside 50s) cracked in for the Red Lionesses. Brooke Sheridan (eight disposals, two goals) and Ashleigh Moyle (eight disposals, one goal) hit the scoreboard in the loss.

Wilston Grange 3.7 (25) lost to Aspley 11.5 (61)

Rania Crozier starred for the Hornets in the 36-point win, clunking six marks – two contested – from 16 disposals, two tackles, four inside 50s and two goals. Bottom-ager Zimra Hussain returned for the Gorillas and had the ball on a string, collecting a game-high 26 disposals, and also had two inside 50s and booted 0.2.

Coorparoo 12.8 (80) defeated Maroochydore 2.2 (14)

Continuing her impressive form from the Coates Talent League, Jacinta Baldwick was dominant in the Kings’ win over the Roos. The top-ager booted five goals from 20 touches and four inside 50s, while also laying six tackles. Clunking seven marks – two contested and four inside 50 – Baldwick was unstoppable in the navy blue.

Coco Garton (12 disposals, 15 hitouts) was busy in the ruck for the Kings, opposed to Lilly Baker (10 disposals, nine hitouts) in a battle of the Lions Academy rucks.

OTHERS:

Of those outside the QAFL Women’s, Evie Long was the standout, kicking two goals and was named among Sandgate’s best in the Hawks’ five-point win over Surfers Paradise. as her side moved further ahead inside the top four.

Sunny Lappin took the field in the Under 17s Division 1 for ladder leaders Surfers Paradise in the South East Juniors during the Demons’ 26-point win over Tweed Coolangatta Blues, while Dekota Baron played in Broadbeach Cats’ 49-point win over Yeronga Devils. It was just the Cats’ second win in the 2023 season.

Up in Cairns, Heidi Talbot was back in the yellow and black of North Cairns, but her side went down to premiership favourites, Manunda Hawks by 35 points. The Tigers sit fifth in the sixth-team league.