TWO QAFL Women’s premiership contenders face off in a massive clash at Fankhauser Reserve tomorrow as part of Round 8 action. Rivals Southport – affectionately known as the Sharks – will take on Bond University – the Bull Sharks – in order to test out bragging rights.

SEASON TO-DATE

2. Southport | 5 wins, 2 losses, 409 for, 144 against, 284.03%, 20 points
3. Bond University | 5 wins, 2 losses, 328 for, 121 against, 271.07%, 20 points

Both sides have managed to win five of their seven games, interrupted by Gold Coast Suns Academy and AFLW Academy commitments which has seen ladder leaders Aspley streak ahead with seven straight wins at the halfway mark. When these sides faced off in Round 2 it was Bond University that got up by 20 points at home. The Bull Sharks lost the very next week to Coorparoo by a straight kick, while the other losses for each team have come at the hands of Aspley.

WHO’S MISSING?

The majority of the key outs for the game are from Bond University, with potential pick one contender Havana Harris, fellow AFLW Academy member Tara Harrington – who would also miss through injury – and Queensland representative Heidi Talbot all out of the side.

AFLW DRAFT PROSPECTS

Though Bond University is missing some talent, the Bull Sharks will regain the services of speedster Nyalli Milne who has not played since these sides faced off back in Round 2. She booted a goal and was among the best that day, with three goals in two games for the 2024 season.

Mia Salisbury is a smooth-moving top-ager with plenty of draftable qualities and she will lineup for the Bull Sharks, as will Suns Academy member Bronte Parker who impressed through the Coates Talent League Girls competition. Outside the box, mature-age talent Ella Calleja is enjoying a fantastic season.

Southport regains the services of key midfielder Kierra Zerafa following a two game stint with the Northern Territory Academy. She will look to influence through her booming left boot, while Siobhan Ross is a top-ager with some nice traits.

The Sharks’ bottom-age contingent is what really catches the eye though, with potential top picks next year in talls, Dekota Baron and Georja Davies, and dangerous utility Alannah Welsh all promising talents. They still have another year left in their development, and will only get better.

PREDICTION

It is hard to look past Southport at its homeground and closer to full strength. The bottom-age contingent the Sharks have is remarkable, and given the splattering of ex-AFLW or experienced players across the list, they should et the better of a Bond university outfit that is still highly talented.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Fourth placed Coorparoo will look to assert its dominance on Wilston Grange this weekend when the Kings host the Gorillas at Giffin Park. Grace Roberts-White has been in great form for the Kings, while accumulating top-ager Zimra Hussain will miss for the Gorillas as she represents the All-Stars side down in Melbourne. Watch for double bottom-age duo Enah Desic and Mia Geere to impress for their respective sides.

Top of the ladder Aspley should have no problems against winless Yeronga South Brisbane at home. Brisbane Lions Academy members Lilu Hung (Aspley) and Farrandai Hopkins (Yeronga) could cross paths but expect the former to come away with the last laugh. In the other match, Maroochydore hosts University of Queensland in a seventh against sixth clash. The Red Lionesses won this last time out but now hit the road to the Sunshine Coast.