THE TOP three teams emerged as the ones to beat this season, with Aspley, Bond University and Southport all recording big wins in Round 8 of the QAFL Women’s competition. The trio of sides proved too good for their lower ranked opponents, as the Brisbane and Gold Coast Suns Academy players returned to state league action. We took a look at how they all performed.

Aspley 9.8 (62) defeated Coorparoo 2.4 (16)

Aspley remained on top of the QAFL Women’s ladder with breathing space following a 46-point win to make it seven straight wins this season. Over-age forward Lilu Hung returned to Graham Road to kick a goal from 10 disposals, two marks and lay seven tackles in the win.

Midfielder Isabella McDonough – who had an impressive Coates Talent League Girls campaign for the Lions Academy – racked up 14 disposals, two marks, three clearances, five tackles, five inside 50s and one goal.

For the Kings, towering forward Chloe Gaunt clunked three contested marks from 13 disposals and laid six tackles, while having three inside 50s and kicking tow behinds as the sole Academy member for the Kings.

Bond University 6.7 (43) defeated University of Queensland 2.5 (17)

Bond University never has any shortage of Queensland representatives, and pick one contender Havana Harris was back in action against the Red Lionesses, recording 24 hitouts, three clearances, and five inside 50s. Her fellow AFLW Academy member Tara Harrington finished with seven touches and three tackles.

Outside those top end talents, Bronte Parker (15 disposals, four clearances) and Mia Salisbury (12 disposals, five clearances, four tackles and three inside 50s) were both busy. For the Red Lionesses, Ashleigh Moyle had eight touches and laid two tackles, while pocket rocket Eva Sartor had 11 disposals, three marks and three tackles and Annaliese Neary recorded seven disposals.

Southport 15.8 (98) defeated Yeronga South Brisbane 2.3 (15)

The Sharks showed no mercy in their massive win over Yeronga South Brisbane. Bottom-age trio of Georja Davies (23 disposals, two marks), Alannah Welsh (17 disposals, five marks and four inside 50s) and Dekota Baron (12 disposals, five marks – three contested – three inside 50s and three goals) all stepped up to play important roles.

Lions Academy defender Farrandai Hopkins got her chance through the Devils’ midfield, picking up 14 disposals, four clearances, three tackles and three inside 50s in what was a tough loss.

Wilston Grange 6.5 (41) defeated Maroochydore 1.4 (10)

After playing forward for the Lions Academy, Gorillas utility Zimra Hussain had the ball on a string against the Roos. She racked up 32 disposals, took five marks and finished with four clearances in her side’s 31-point win. Double bottom-ager Mia Geere was outstanding as well, managing 28 disposals, six marks, three clearances, nine inside 50s and two goals in a best on ground performance.

For the Roos, attacking defender Kaiya Hides had 14 disposals, two tackles and four inside 50s, while double bottom-ager Lataya De Pauw (10 disposals, two inside 50s and a goal) was also productive. Bottom-age ruck Monique Corrigan finished with 28 hitouts, four clearances and six tackles from just six disposals to be another Lions Academy member who held her own.