DESPITE finals being out of the question for QAFL Women’s reigning premiers University of Queensland, the Red Lionesses showed they can definitely shape the 2023 post-season series, upsetting third placed Aspley Hornets on the road. The Red Lionesses lead throughout the contest, and though challenged in the second half, stuck to the task and came away with the win despite half the scoring shots.

In similar circumstances to Aspley’s Round 1 draw with Coorparoo, the Hornets’ inaccuracy proved costly, kicking four behinds in the first term compared to University of Queensland’s three straight goals. That made the margin 14 points at the first break, and though the Hornets managed to find their kicking boots in the second term to close the gap to six at the main break, were still suffering from that inaccuracy.

The Red Lionesses kept on top thanks to a clearance dominating around the ground, and while the Hornets had far more chances off the back of getting on top in the inside 50s count, constant misses proved their downfall. By the final break, the scores stood at 5.1 (31) to 3.10 (28).

Sheer weight of scoring numbers had kept the Hornets in the contest, but that would change in the final term. Showing their experience, the Red Lionesses kicked 1.0 to 0.1 in the last 20 minutes to hold off the Hornets at Graham Road despite only seven scoring shots to 14. The 6.1 (37) to 3.11 (29) victory meant the University of Queensland had stopped Aspley from gaining the double chance in the QAFL Women’s finals series.

Aspley Hornets had 25 more disposals, 19 more marks and 50 more uncontested possessions, while the Red Lionesses controlled the stoppages and were able to clunk contested marks around the ground. Top-age draft prospect Laura Roy helped herself to 22 disposals, six clearances, five tackles and six inside 50s, running at 63.6 per cent efficiency despite a whopping 84 per cent contested rate.

Ava Seton (20 disposals, seven clearances, nine tackles, two inside 50s and two goals) was outstanding again for the winners, while sharpshooter Brooke Sheridan converted two majors. Jane Childes (17 disposals, four clearances was busy in midfield, as Lucinda Benjamin (12 disposals, 40 hitouts) took control in the ruck.

For the Hornets, Lucia Liessi played a lone hand at the stoppages with a match-high nine clearances and 24 disposals, while also laying five tackles. Courtney Daniec (16 disposals, four clearances, five tackles and four inside 50s) also played her part, while Mikayla Martin (22 disposals, five marks, eight tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) was prominent again. AFLW Academy member Rania Crozier stood up with 17 disposals, three marks, five tackles and three inside 50s.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bond University cemented its double chance with a commanding 89-point thrashing of the winless Yeronga South Brisbane. The game was over before it had barely begun with a 7.3 (45) to 0.0 (0) first quarter. Though the Devils did manage to tighten up each quarter after that, the home side still conceded 18 scoring shots to four, going down 13.15 (93) to 0.4 (4).

The experience of Leah Kaslar (three goals) proved vital for the Bull Sharks as youngster Nyalli Milne slotted two majors. Double bottom-ager Ava Usher was outstanding once again in the win, while Courtney Sexton was named best-on by the coaches. For the Devils, Sophie Dunne and Zimmorlei Farquharson were the standouts.

Similarly, Southport flexed its muscles with a statement win over Coorparoo, slamming home 14 goals against the fourth placed side en route to an 89-point win at home. The Sharks could not miss in the first half as they piled on nine goals, before eventually running away with a 14.5 (89) to 0.0 (0) victory at Fankhauser Reserve.

Yet again it was the SANFLW recruits of Caitlin Wendland and Kristi Harvey who lead the way, as Maggie O’Connell (four goals) and ruck Lilly Pearce looked good through the ruck with 35 hitouts. For the Kings, Jo Miller and Hannah McLaughlin tried hard all game.

Escaping the bottom two for the 2023 season, Wilston Grange grabbed a win over Maroochydore in the penultimate round despite trailing at the first two breaks. Down by 17 points at quarter time and 10 points at half-time, the Gorillas found their mojo in the second half, kicking 6.7 to 1.1 to skip away with the four points at Hickey Park, 7.11 (53) to 4.3 (27).

Kylie Welsh was named best on ground for the Gorillas with Keyshia Matenga also catching the eye. Charlize Anderson (three goals) and Naomi Celebre (two) were the key goalscorers on the day. Chelsea Gillard (two goals) was the sole multiple goalkicker for the Roos, while young bottom-age ruck Lilly Baker worked hard all game.