GUNNING to go one better in the 2024 QAFL Women’s season, last year’s runners-up Aspley Hornets have moved into pole position after three rounds, sitting undefeated after a 14-point win over Southport. The Hornets arguably have the best list outside the underage Academy players, and they shoed it against the Sharks, kicking clear in the middle two quarters to win by 14 points at Aspley Oval.

In the second half of the QAFLW Round 3 action – with Coorparoo and Maroochydore claiming wins on Anzac Day prior to the two games on Saturday – it was the Hornets who came from a scoreless first term to kick three goals to one in the second quarter and lead by 11 points at the main break.

>> Kings conquer Bull Sharks on Anzac Day

The Hornets continued to keep control of the match with a further two goals to one in the third term, then held on as the Sharks continued to press late. Aspley had its fair share of chances and did only manage the three behinds in the last 20 minutes, but it was still enough to come away with the 5.5 (25) to 3.3 (21) win.

The match itself was played at a high intensity with the Sharks bringing the defensive heat and laying a whopping 93 tackles to 65, but the Hornets were still able to use the ball well when required, running at 74.1 per cent disposal efficiency, just below the Sharks’ 75.9 per cent. They also won the uncontested possessions count (160-131), and clearances (28-22) despite Southport dominating the hitouts (46-23).

An inside 50 differential of 36-18 was a huge factor in the game, as Aspley’s forwards had plenty of supply, and Southport’s defenders did well to steam the bleeding considering at times they were under siege.

Jessica Davy led the way for the Hornets, accumulation a match-high seven clearances to go with 25 disposals, seven tackles and five inside 50s, while Alanna Perry and Jaimie Bryant both had 20 touches. Brisbane AFLW talent Evie Long picked up 16 disposals, three contested marks, three inside 50s and a goal in the win, while Lucia Liessi was also prominent.

Emma Zielke Medallist Steph O’Brien racked up 25 disposals, seven tackles, five inside 50s and kicked a goal for the Sharks, while Kierra Zerafa recorded six of her side’s 22 clearances – three more than any other Southport player – as well as 21 touches, three tackles and two inside 50. Maighan Fogas and Selina Priest both showed their experience with some high-level defensive play too.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

In another tight, low-scoring contest, Wilston Grange got up over University of Queensland to grab fourth spot on the QAFL Women’s ladder. The Gorillas and Red Lionesses combine for eight goals in the first half, with the latter leading by two points at the main break. Wilston Grange kicked the only two goals of the second half though, to come away with an eight-point win, 6.1 (37) to 4.5 (29).

Wilston Grange’s Hayley Finning slotted four of her side’s six gaols, while also taking six marks – two contested – from 15 disposals and four tackles to be a standout up forward. Keyshia Matenga (19 disposals, three clearances, eight tackles and three inside 50s) was outstanding in the win, while Kylie Welsh and Haley Jones combined for 14 clearances from 34 disposals.

For the Red Lionesses, Jane Childes finished with 22 touches, four clearances, nine tackles and two inside 50s, while Gracie Roy had 17 disposals, three clearances and five tackles to be next best. Bridey Condren‘s work through the ruck (23 hitouts from nine disposals) earned her best afield from the coaches in the loss.