QUEENSLAND’s State Academy members will have one last hitout in the QAFL Women’s prior to a busy schedule in the upcoming national championships. The Maroons will play their first AFLW Under 18 Championships match next Sunday at Brighton Homes Arena against Vic Country, before a clash with the Allies a week later. We take a look at the State Academy members in action across Round 10 of the QAFL Women’s competition tomorrow.

WILSTON GRANGE vs. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Saturday, June 29 @ 10:45am
Hickey Park

Top-age ball-winner Zimra Hussain will play a key role for the Gorillas as they hope to keep pressure on the top four, being four points and percentage behind Coorparoo. They take on an out-of-form University of Queensland side, with Hussain and double bottom-ager Mia Geere key players for the home team. For the Red Lionesses, one of the top over-agers in this year’s draft crop Laura Roy is one to watch, while fellow over-age tall Coco Garton can play in multiple positions.

SOUTHPORT vs. ASPLEY
Saturday, June 29 @ 2:00pm
Fankhauser Reserve

The blockbuster match of the round sees the top two sides go head-to-head at Shark Park. Aspley has set the tone for the 2024 QAFLW season, winning the first nine games of its season, while Southport is eagerly waiting to pounce in second with a 7-2 record.

The ladder leaders will just have the one State Academy member in over-age talent Lilu Hung a marking target up front, while the Sharks have their usual bottom-age contingent. Among the best prospects next year, Dekota Baron, Georja Davies, Alannah Welsh and Sunny Lappin are all playing, as is big improver Siobhan Ross which gives the home side a great chance at inflicting the Hornets’ first loss of the season.

YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE vs. MAROOCHYDORE
Saturday, June 29 @ 2:00pm
Leyshon Park

The winless Yeronga South Brisbane will hope to finally get on the board against a Maroochydore side that has to travel down to the city. The Roos are 3-6 for the season with the Devils yet to strike successfully from nine attempts, and boast a lowly percentage of 19.94. Farrandai Hopkins is a shining light for the last placed side, while for the Roos, AFLW Academy key position player Lilly Baker is running around in the green and gold, as are Kaiya Hides and Poppy Tindal.

COORPAROO vs. BOND UNIVERSITY
Saturday, June 29 @ 4:45pm
Giffin Park

The last game of the day is a twilight one at Giffin Park between two top four sides. Third placed Bond University make the trek up the highway to take on the fourth placed Coorparoo, though the percentage gap between the sides (252.49 to 98.85) ensures the pair will not shift spots despite just four points separating them as it stands.

Marking tall Chloe Gaunt is the sole Kings player in the Queensland State squad and will look to provide a target inside 50. Bond University on the other hand has the most state squad members of any QAFLW side, headlined by pick one contender, Havana Harris.

Fellow AFLW Academy member Tara Harrington is still on the sidelines, but the likes of Mia Salisbury and Nyalli Milne are highly touted talents. Throw in Skye White and Annabelle Foat who have also earned state selection and there are plenty of young prospects to watch from the Bull Sharks.