TWO powerhouses of the QAFL Women’s competition go head-to-head in what could be an early grand final preview this weekend. Last year’s top two sides at the end of the home and away season, Bond University will be looking to get one-up over Southport at home, as both sides are stacked with terrific young talent.

BOND UNIVERSITY vs. SOUTHPORT
Saturday, April 13 @ 4:45pm
Bond University Oval

The top two sides in the QAFL Women’s after one round, and likely throughout the season for the most part, both sides have no shortage of AFLW Draft talent, as well as experienced players. The Bull Sharks host the match and regain AFLW Academy members, Havana Harris and Tara Harrington for the clash, to build alongside the likes of Nyalli Milne and Mia Salisbury as top-age draft hopes. Jasmyn Davidson and AFLW-experienced duo Tahlia Meyer and Imogen Evans loom as key players.

For the Sharks, their talent lies in the bottom-age contingent with forward Dekota Baron coming off a six-goal haul in Round 1. She, along with the likes of Carlton and St Kilda father-daughter prospect Sunny Lappin, Gold Coast Suns Academy Under 16s MVP Alannah Welsh, athletic tall Georja Davies and the speedy Mikayla Nurse are all ones to watch. Reigning Emma Zielke Medallist Steph O’Brien and important tall Selina Priest are crucial to the lineup as well.

YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE vs. ASPLEY
Saturday, April 13 @ 2:00pm
Leyshon Park

Aspley Hornets will go in as strong favourites against Yeronga South Brisbane after an impressive 32-point win over the University of Queensland in Round 1, while the Devils suffered a heavy 14-goal defeat to the Bull Sharks. Lucia Liessi and top-age Lions Academy talent Isabella McDonough each kicked three goals in the win, while Lilu Hung returned from stress fractures that ruled her out of the year last year to kick a couple of majors.

Yeronga South Brisbane will regain Farrandai Hopkins for the clash and is the Devils’ top draft prospect this year, while Georgia Carmody and Chelsea Winn were both strong against Bond University despite the lob-sided scoreline. The Devils will need to start strong if they are to be a chance of causing an upset against last year’s grand finalists.

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND vs. MAROOCHYDORE
Saturday, April 13 @ 3:45pm
Enoggera Memorial Park

Both of these sides will be hoping to bounce back from losses last week in order to post a first-up win in Round 2, with the Red Lionesses having the likes of over-age tall Coco Garton impressing last week. Top-age utility Ashleigh Moyle is one to keep in mind for this year for the home side, while another over-ager in Laura Roy has draftable potential. Former Queensland Firebirds netballer Laura Clemesha has been named for her QAFLW debut after playing in the reserves last week.

Maroochydore enjoyed having Sophie Peters back in the lineup last week, and she remains in the side for Round 2, while Abbey Rankin is one who is set for a big year in the green and gold. Looking ahead to the future and Lataya De Pauw is a name to remember for the Lions Academy, while Chelsea Gillard has potential as a tall marking target.

WILSTON GRANGE vs. COORPAROO
Saturday, April 13 @ 4:45pm
Hickey Park

Unfortunately Wilston Grange was no match for a red-hot Southport last week, and now come up against Coorparoo who won its Round 1 match. The Gorillas showed some spark with run from Zimra Hussain and some on-ball work from Keyshia Matenga and will be better for the run. Charlize Anderson was one of her side’s best last week, while Kadie Fletcher can do some damage with opportunities in the forward half.

Kings’ Grace Roberts-White was a standout for Coorparoo in the victory over Maroochydore, while forward Chelsea Chesterfield is one the Gorillas will need to contain if they are to be any chance of victory. Jacinta Baldwick adds plenty of talent to the Kings’ list as well, while Jenae Govan is an important player.