SOUTHPORT kicked away in the final term to put Bond University to the sword in Round 8 of the QAFL Women’s season. The Sharks and Bull Sharks have a plethora of future AFLW talent, but with the former having a closer to full-strength side, Southport was able to lead throughout the match and secure the 26-point win.

The Sharks led by seven points at the first break and extended that to 14 by half-time. Despite Bond University kicking themselves back into it with a two goals to one third quarter to cut the deficit to eight points, ultimately a three goals to nil fourth term settled the result in the favour of Southport, 8.6 (54) to 4.4 (28).

Megan Hunt and Tayla Gregory both kicked two goals in the win, while the experience of Maighan Fogas and Kaylee Kimber was important in getting past the Bull Sharks. For Bond University, talented utility Ella Calleja was named her side’s best – also one of four goalkickers – while ex-Saint Tahlia Meyer was also among the best.

QUEENSLAND AFLW UNDER 18s SQUAD

Bottom-ager Georja Davies was named best on ground in the absence of opposition ruck and pick one contender, Havana Harris. The 2007-born Davies ran amok in the ruck with 29 hitouts, as well as three clearances from 11 disposals.

Forward Dekota Baron kicked the one goal from 10 disposals and four marks – all contested – matching her effort from earlier in the year against the Bull Sharks. Siobhan Ross (10 disposals, four marks – one contested – and two tackles) and Alannah Welsh (six disposals, three tackles and a goal) were other Suns Academy representatives on the winning side.

Top-ager Mia Salisbury stepped up without fellow young gun Tara Harrington in the side, finishing with 17 disposals, five marks – two contested – three clearances and six tackles in the loss. Speedster Nyalli Milne (eight disposals, two clearances, two tackles and one goal) and Bronte Parker (eight disposals, one mark and one goal) were the other state squad members.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Aspley Hornets 11.12 (78) defeated Yeronga South Brisbane 4.1 (25)

In a top-against-bottom clash, the Hornets unsurprisingly proved far too strong, winning by 53 points at Aspley Oval. They piled on five goals to one after half-time to kick away from the Devils to retain top spot by two games after eight rounds.

Over-age Hornet Lilu Hung (14 disposals, two marks and two tackles) was the Queensland representative involved in the win, though it was Kitara Whap-Farrar who stole the show, continuing her impressive form to kick five goals from seven touches in a highly efficient performance. Farrandai Hopkins had nine disposals and laid three tackles for the Devils.

Coorparoo 6.4 (40) defeated Wilston Grange 2.4 (16)

It was far from smooth sailing for the fourth placed Kings who managed to get some crucial breathing space thanks to a dominant last quarter against a determined Gorillas outfit. The Kings trailed by six points at half-time and only led by five points at the final break before doubling their score in the last quarter and keeping the Gorillas to one behind.

Chloe Gaunt was strong in attack for the Kings, taking two marks from 12 touches and kicking a goal, while double bottom-ager Enah Desic (four disposals, two marks and two tackles) continued to experience senior football. Fellow Under 16 star Mia Geere had a team-high 16 disposals and six clearances in the loss, also laying four tackles.

Maroochydore 6.3 (39) defeated University of Queensland 4.4 (28)

In the one example of a lower ranked team knocking off a higher ranked opponent, Maroochydore bounced back from a scoreless first term to kick four goals to nil in the second and take a 10-point lead into half-time. They held on in a low-scoring affair after that, holding out the Red Lionesses in a tight 11-point result.

Promising Under 16s talent Lataya De Pauw had an eye-catching display, recording 18 disposals, laying three tackles and kicking a goal for the Roos to be among the best in the win. Kaiya Hides (15 disposals, two marks and three tackles) was consistent as always, while for the University of Queensland, Ashleigh Moyle (seven disposals, five tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s) and Eva Sartor (14 disposals, eight tackles, two clearances and two inside 50s) were other Lions Academy members.

QUEENSLANDERS IN AFLW ACADEMY vs UNDER 23 ALL-STARS MATCH

There were three Queenslanders who took to the field in the clash between the AFLW Academy and Under 23 All-Stars, headlined by pick one contender Havana Harris. Rotating between ruck and midfield, Harris accumulated 19 disposals, three marks, seven hitouts, two clearances, four tackles and eight inside 50s to be among the better players for the Academy.

Tara Harrington (injured) did not play for the Academy, however two Queenslanders represented the All-Stars. Wilston Grange’s Zimra Hussain finished with 13 disposals and two inside 50s, while over-ager Laura Roy was strong in defence, having four rebound 50s to go with her 11 touches, two marks and two clearances.