ROUND 6 of the QAFL Women’s competition is set to take place this weekend, and in a change to our usual preview structure, we will take a look at a potential head-to-head between two star midfielders.

PROFILES

Grace Roberts-White (Coorparoo)
Midfielder | 25/01/2005 | 173cm

One of the biggest improvers this year has been over-ager Roberts-White who has developed into a consistent clearance player at QAFL Women’s level. A member of the Lions Academy last season, Roberts-White averaged 11 disposals and six tackles across her three games, having originally played as a tall defender and gradually pushed up the field. In 2024, Roberts-White is averaging 20.5 disposals and 7.3 clearances, and has established herself as a prime mover in the Kings’ on-ball brigade. Already a rising star, the 19-year-old made it official with a nomination following a 24-disposal and 11-clearance effort.

Kierra Zerafa (Southport)
Midfielder | 10/11/2005 | 166cm

Like Roberts-White, Zerafa is also an over-ager having played in a variety of positions over the years. She is powerful and capable of using her strength to win one-on-one contests having grown up in the Northern Territory. Zerafa represented the Thunder in last year’s Coates Talent League Girls competition, where she averaged 16.7 disposals, 2.3 marks, 2.7 tackles and 4.0 inside 50s. Having also played as a forward in the Top End, Zerafa has the ability to push inside 50 and convert on the scoreboard. Though she is yet to kick a goal in the QAFLW, Zerafa slotted 18 in 19 games up in the NTFL throughout the 2022/23 season.

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LAST WEEK

Roberts-White finished with 17 disposals, 10 clearances, five tackles and one inside 50 in a tough performance over the University of Queensland. Though her efficiency was down on the day, she played an enormously contested game, with 68.4 per cent of her possessions in a contest.

Zerafa’s Southport side had a dominant win over Maroochydore, with the midfielder one of six players to notch up more than 20 touches. She recorded 27 disposals, three marks – two contested – three clearances and three tackles, disposing of it at greater than 50 per cent while winning 54.5 per cent in a contest.

WHO WINS??

Both players might slot into similar roles around the clearances, but it will be a fascinating watch if they go head-to-head. Roberts-White has the potential to use her height and has been the predominant clearance winner this season, but Zerafa has the strength that makes her so difficult to move one-on-one.

As for the match itself, it looms as a blockbuster, with Coorparoo in strong form, and the Sharks still minus a stack of Gold Coast Suns Academy members. On that basis, and being at home, the tip leans towards the Kings, though the Sharks are more than capable.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Ladder leaders Aspley travel to Hickey Park to take on Wilston Grange which should pose no fears for the Hornets. They are unbeaten and ready to continue their streak at the top of the QAFLW ladder.

Meanwhile second placed Bond University also hits the road to make the longest trek in QAFLW up to Neil Upton Oval to face Maroochydore. Many expect the Bull Sharks will return with the four points, though the Roos at home are a better side than away.

In the other match, the University of Queensland should get up over the winless Yeronga South Brisbane at home, but the Devils looked ultra-impressive in the first half last week against Wilston Grange before fading in the second half.