ONE spot remains in the 2024 QAFL Women’s Grand Final, with Southport awaiting the winner of Aspley and Bond University. The two preliminary finalists go head-to-head with no turning back for the loser, while the winner gets a shot at glory.

In a repeat of last year’s grand final, it was Bond University that took home the flag, and will be fancied here despite Aspley finishing higher and having the homeground advantage. At full strength, the Bull Sharks are hard to stop, with a mix of State Academy members and ex-AFLW talents amongst the ranks.

Aspley has its fair share of talent as well, with some future draft prospects alongside some terrific state league talent. When the State Academy players are off on Queensland duties, the Hornets have shown to contain some of the strongest mature-age talent across the league. The big question is whether it will be enough to quell a host of future AFLW Draft prospects.

Last round, Bond Uni kicked away from Coorparoo and enjoyed a comfortable win, while Aspley was blown out of the water by Southport early, as Allanah Welsh kicked four goals for the game and the Sharks held sway for the rest of the match, not allowing the Hornets to make up ground. Aspley cannot afford a slow start again, or it will be curtains for the Hornets’ season.

Aspley leading goalkicking forward Jessica Stallard was well held last week and will be out to make a huge impact in the do-or-die game, while over-ager Lilu Hung can provide an important target. The run and carry created by Isabella McDonough and Kitara Whap-Farrar will be important, as well the ball-winning abilities of Lucia Liessi, Courtney Daniec and Emma Pittman.

For the Bull Sharks, top AFLW Draft prospect Havana Harris is the biggest headache for Aspley heading into the match. There is no real way to stop her entirely, only limit her influence. She will no doubt have another big effort, with fellow Queensland State Academy members Mia Salisbury and Nyalli Milne also keys to victory.

Bond Uni has ex-AFLW players such as Leah Kaslar and Tahlia Meyer who provide invaluable experience around the ground, much like Tiarna Ernst for the Hornets. Bull Sharks skipper Paris Lightfoot and tall Jasmyn Davidson are also key cogs, with Ella Calleja building on her junior form to put in a big year at QAFLW level.

The match looms as one that has plenty of storylines, and Aspley need to start well and make the most of its chances. The Hornets are not without a chance, but cannot fall behind by much early. They need to be proactive and retain possession consistently. For Bond Uni, it is a case of doing what it does best and allow the runners to shine and the youth to provide the spark around the ground. The Bull Sharks in a tight clash.