SOUTHPORT remains undefeated in the 2023 QAFL Women’s season, but as expected, it copped its biggest challenge yet in the form of Aspley Hornets. Heading up the highway to Graham Road, the Sharks kicked clear in the second term and then held on well in a tight contest to defeat the Hornets by 11 points, 5.8 (38) to 4.3 (27).

The first term was a thriller between the top two sides with last year’s grand finalists taking a narrow two-point lead into the first change. Aspley had restrained the Southport storm for now, but it was coming hard in the second term. The Sharks kicked the only two goals of the term, and restricted the Hornets to a couple of behinds, to lead by 15 points at the main break.

Determined not to let the ladder leaders break away, the Hornets responded in time and cut the deficit back to 10 points by the final break. Aspley kept attacking into the final term, but could only muster the one goal – as could Southport – with Lucia Liessi taking a shot from 50m that just missed off the bounce.

Southport also missed a couple of late chances, but held on in a nail-biter to get the job done by less than two kicks. Hannah Davies (two goals) ended up being the only multiple goalkicker as eight different players put their name on the scoresheet in the game.

The Sharks finished with 40 more disposals – including 30 more contested and 24 more uncontested possessions – while laying a whopping 94 tackles to 50. Leading the way for defensive efforts were Madeleine Watt (31 disposals, 15 tackles) and Rianna Schipp (22 disposals, 10 tackles).

Watt also had nine clearances and together with Georgia Breward (31 disposals, eight clearances) and Carly Remmos (29 disposals, six clearances) took control at the coalface. Lilly Pearce (33 hitouts) was impressive in the ruck, awhile Darcie Davies (13 disposals, six marks – three contested – and three inside 50s) did well getting into spots behind the ball to intercept.

Unfortunately for the Hornets, the clearance differential was too great, with Jaimie Bryant (three clearances from 16 disposals) the top extractor. Courtney Daniec (15 disposals, two clearances) and Mikayla Martin (19 disposals, two clearances) also worked hard through the middle of the ground.

Abby Pengelly (16 disposals, four marks) was busy in the back half of the ground, while Hannah Giles (14 disposals, four marks, nine tackles, two inside 50s and one goal) was one of the more prominent Hornets in the loss.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bond University grabbed the chance to go up to second with both hands, knocking off Wilston Grange by 12 goals. Keeping the Gorillas to just one behind – scored in the last quarter – the Bull Sharks romped away to a 10.13 (73) to 0.1 (1) victory.

Havana Harris shone with three goals from 18 disposals and 17 hitouts, teaming up well with Jasmyn Davidson (20 disposals, two marks, 26 hitouts, four tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) in the ruck. Courtney Sexton (21 disposals, seven clearances, 10 tackles and three behinds) was the prominent onballer in the win.

For Wilston Grange, Keyshia Matenga (28 disposals, seven marks, seven tackles and two clearances) was the clear standout ball-winner, while Chloe Litherland and Uma Brennan were also prominent.

Coorparoo took full advantage of the Gorillas slipping up, jumping into fourth spot thanks to a four-point win over University of Queensland. It was a critical win for the Kings, who not only moved into the crucial spot, but maintained a six-point gap on the bottom three. For the Red Lionesses, the 3.7 (25) to 3.3 (21) loss hurt, just about putting a line through their premiership hopes.

Laura Blue (26 disposals, six marks, 11 inside 50s and three tackles) lead the way for the Kings, while Jo Miller (25 disposals, seven marks, four clearances, four inside 50s and five tackles), Lions premiership skipper Emma Zielke (24 disposals, two marks and four inside 50s) and Lucy Schneider (23 disposals, seven marks, three inside 50s and three tackles) also impressed.

Ava Seton‘s season form continued with 23 disposals, five clearances and five tackles for the Red Lionesses, while youngsters Laura Roy and Kadie Fletcher were also busy in the tight loss.

In the battle of the bottom two sides, Maroochydore scored a long-awaited win, defeating Yeronga South Brisbane by 11 points. Despite the winless Devils winning more of the ball and using it better, the Roos made the most of their inside 50s to capitalise during the 4.4 (28) to 2.5 (17).

Tarah Muir was the top disposal winner with 20 disposals, two clearances, three inside 50s and four tackles, while Lilly Baker impressed in the ruck, and Demi Norton was important yet again. The likes of Madison Goodwin (28 disposals), Chelsea Winn (26) and Ebony Milne (25) were among the top players for the Devils in a losing effort.