AFTER suffering their first loss of the QAFL Women’s season in Round 10, Aspley Hornets got their name back on the winner’s list with a 39-point win over an in-form Maroochydore. The Roos had started the year a little rocky but won their past three matches to give them confidence entering the final month of the home and away season, however despite really matching it with Aspley for three quarters, could not stop them in the final term.

It took a while for the Hornets to finally break the shackles, having led by six, nine and nine points at quarter time, half-time and three quarter time respectively, before the ladder leaders booted 5.1 to 0.1 in the final term to blow the final margin out to 39 points. Most impressively, they more than doubled their score from the first three quarters to finish 8.6 (54) to 2.3 (15) victors.

Aspley had 73 more disposals, using its run and carry by hand to great effect with a plus-56 in that area, which led to an inside 50 differential of plus-14. No doubt the home fans at Graham Road were aware of the free kick disparity as well, which went 25-9 in favour of the Roos, though the Hornets went about their business with a far higher disposal efficiency that enabled them to move the ball quickly.

In the end, the Hornets’ ability to fin targets inside 50 was key, clunking 11 marks to three as part of a plus-10 overall differential, and plus-five contested mark differential. Aspley also overcame losing the hitouts (33-31) to win the clearances (26-18), and despite having so much of the ball, laid five more tackles in what was albeit a lower tackling game.

Lucia Liessi (30 disposals, four clearances, seven tackles, three inside 50s and two goals) in her 50th game just about did it all for the home side, standing up when it counted through the midfield. She was well supported by Jessica Davy (29 disposals, four clearances, four tackles and seven inside 50s) through the midfield, and Emma McNaughton (23 disposals, four tackles, five inside 50s and a goal), with the latter taking three marks inside the forward 50.

It should come as no surprise that Jessica Stallard also clunked three forward 50 marks among her total of six – four contested – finishing with two goals for the match from 11 touches to cause a few headaches for the Maroochydore box. Louise Tyson (27 disposals, five clearances, four inside 50s and a goal) and Jasmine Kawa (20 disposals, five clearances and a goal) were also outstanding in the win.

Jesse McMillan led the way for Maroochydore with 22 touches, four clearances, 10 tackles and three inside 50s, with Axel Oswald (16 disposals) taking two important intercept marks and providing some resistance behind the ball. Demi Norton (15 disposals, two marks and six tackles) and Abbey Tognazzini (14 disposals, three marks, six tackles and two inside 50s) were important, as Ellen Hopkins kicked both of her side’s goals.

ASPLEY HORNETS 2.2 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 8.6 (54)
MAROOCHYDORE 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 2.3 (15)

GOALS:
Aspley: L. Liessi 2, J. Stallard 2, D. Barnes, J. Kawa, E. McNaughton, L. Tyson
Maroochydore: E. Hopkins

BEST:
Aspley: L. Liessi, L. Tyson, R. Anstey, E. McNaughton, C. Daniec
Maroochydore: A. Oswald, J. McMillan. O. Crowley, H. Edgar, E. Hopkins

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Southport continued on its merry way with its eighth consecutive victory since starting the season at 1-2, easily overcoming University of Queensland by 54 points. Having now beaten every side in the competition at least once, the Sharks will look to secure the double chance in the final few rounds.

Maddy Baldwin kicked three goals in the win as the only multiple goalkicker, while Madeleine Watt was named best on ground by the coaches. Kaylee Kimber, Steph O’Brien and Megan Hunt were also among the Sharks’ best. Lara Mason and youngster Coco Garton featured among the better players for the Red Lionesses.

Bond University shrugged off a determined Wilston Grange in the second half of the Bull Sharks’ home clash in what was a tight, low-scoring affair. The Gorillas were always in the contest, but only managed the one goal for the match, with two of the Bull Sharks’ goals coming in the third term to essentially break the deadlock and go on to win, 3.8 (26) to 1.3 (9).

Christy Landwehr was a standout for the Bull Sharks alongside Tahlia Meyer, while Leah Kaslar also showed her AFLW experience in the win. For the visitors, Keyshia Matenga starred in defeat, while Kylie Welsh kicked her side’s only goal of the match.

In the final match of the round, Coorparoo overcame a slow start and a very tense middle two terms to finally overcome the winless Yeronga South Brisbane by 22 points. The fourth placed Kings needed the win to apply breathing space inside the top four, but conceded the first two goals, and only lead by a point at the final break. Luckily the visitors stepped up when it counted to kick three final quarter goals and run out 7.4 (46) to 4.0 (24) winners.

Emma Zielke and Jenae Govan both slotted two goals for the winners, with Jessica Watts and Emily Bleney also among the best for the Kings. Peppa Poultney was named the coach’s best for the brave Devils, while Lucy Bellinger and Chelsea Winn kicked the two goals apiece in the loss.