WHILE the top four spots are locked and loaded following Coorparoo’s victory over Bond University last round, there is still plenty to be found out from the penultimate round of QAFL Women’s action. A top four battle kicks off the round tomorrow, while the other three games run simultaneously later in the afternoon.

SOUTHPORT vs. COORPAROO
Saturday, July 22 @ Fankhauser Reserve, 2:00pm

The massive top four clash at Fankhauser Reserve will see whether or not Coorparoo can be in with a chance to earn a home final in the first week of the post-season series. Southport has locked up the minor premiership and top spot to boot following Bond University’s loss last week, barring a complete disastrous two rounds. Even then, it is hard to fathom a 177 per cent swing between the Sharks and Bull Sharks, so while it is mathematically possible to drop out of top spot, it is effectively impossible.

Coorparoo must win if it is a chance to snatch third spot and a home final, sitting six points off the second placed Bull Sharks and four points adrift of the third placed Hornets. Mathematically, the Kings can still snatch second spot if those two opponents fall away, but with the pair playing bottom four teams both weeks, it seems unlikely. However a loss for the Kings here and ultimately they will settle for fourth spot.

Coming off a close than expected win over Wilston Grange last week, Southport has added some serious SANFLW quality to its list of late, with North Adelaide premiership skipper Kristi Harvey and Central District premiership player Caitlin Wendland the best two for the Sharks last week. Add to that list the likes of talls Lilly Pearce and Steph O’Brien and then the young talent of Georja Davies and the home side has a potent group of marking targets.

Coorparoo will enjoy the return of Jacinta Baldwick when she can get out on the field, while Lucy Schneider has been a consistent ball-winner for the Kings. Likewise, skipper Sally Young and forward Chelsea Chesterfield are also match-winners who are enjoying impressive years.

WILSTON GRANGE vs. MAROOCHYDORE
Saturday, July 22 @ Hickey Park, 4:45pm

This game has no bearing on finals, but the teams are still playing for pride, with Wilston Grange a chance to jet fifth spot in the final two rounds. A win to the Gorillas will level them with the reigning premiers, though the percentage gap means a win in the final round will still likely be required. For Maroochydore, a win will see them close in on the Gorillas, and could overtake them by the end of the home and a way season.

The green and gold have avoided the wooden spoon, sitting three wins clear of the winless Devils, but no doubt the Roos would like to rise higher. Two big wins in the remaining fortnight would put Maroochydore in with a chance for fifth, but more likely sixth.

ASPLEY vs. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Saturday, July 22 @ Graham Road, 4:45pm

Unfortunately the Kings’ win over Bond University last week knocked the reigning premiers University of Queensland out of the finals race. While unable to defend their title, the Red Lionesses can still cause plenty of issues for the finalists, starting with Aspley this weekend. If the visitors win, it all but guarantees the Hornets a spot in the do-or-die semi-final and they will not have the double chance.

However if Aspley gets up, then the Hornets remain a live chance to snatch second, and earn a shot at the Sharks in the first week of finals. A win at least should lock up a home semi-final which is important against a Kings side that is far more dangerous at home than away.

YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE vs. BOND UNIVERSITY
Saturday, July 22 @ Leyshon Park, 4:45pm

The last game of the weekend seems a foregone conclusion, but the results from last weekend suggest it may be closer than ladder positions may suggest. Bond University should be strengthened with its great young talent back and should be far too strong for the Devils, but Yeronga South Brisbane is coming off a promising effort in Round 12. If the Devils can repeat that performance, then they can cause a few headaches.

While Yeronga South Brisbane is guaranteed the wooden spoon, the Devils would love to snatch a win in the final fortnight to avoid going through the season winless. If they win, then Bond University will likely fall to a knockout semi-final and lose the option of a double chance. There is plenty on the line for the Bull Sharks, and while the Devils will be competitive, it is hard to see Bond University dropping this one.