SOUTHPORT claimed its maiden QAFL Women’s flag on the weekend, defeating Bond University in a huge performance at People First Stadium. There were nine Queensland State Academy members who showed out across both sides, and we took a look at their performances. All notes are the opinion of the individual author.

SOUTHPORT:

#15 Dekota Baron (Suns Academy)
Key Forward | 178cm | 03/01/2007

Stats: 9 disposals, 1 mark, 1 clearance, 3 hitouts, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal, 1 behind

While it was not her biggest performance, the bottom-ager had her moments and worked hard, competing well in the air for the Sharks. She had an early set shot that missed to the right from long-range, and then set up a goal with an elite kick inside 50 to Tayla Gregory. She finally got just reward for her hard running with a clever snap seven minutes into the final quarter.

#18 Alannah Welsh (Suns Academy)
Forward | 170cm | 23/11/2007

Stats: 10 disposals, 3 marks (2 contested), 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 3 goals, 1 behind

The dangerous forward kicked three goals and could have had five with a bit of luck, looking like the most potent player on the ground forward of centre. She had a snap late in the first term that missed to the left, and then another in the third term that from long range quite literally bounced towards the goal, sat up on the line and stayed in. She would quickly correct her scoring though with a clever dribble attempt after a free kick advantage shortly after, making it her second goal following a mark at the top of the goalsquare midway through the second term. Her third came after winning a free kick in a tackle and received 50m for back chat from the opposition where she went to the goalline and iced the game.

#27 Georja Davies (Suns Academy)
Ruck | 183cm | 17/01/2007

Stats: 15 disposals, 4 marks (2 contested), 2 clearances, 26 hitouts, 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 goal

Had a great battle with Harris throughout the match and arguably took the chocolates when splitting hairs. Both were fantastic, with Davies spending a full-time game through the ruck and really taking full advantage when Harris was forward too. She clunked some fantastic marks and even sold candy to sidestep Harris off half-back at one point. When finding the mismatch against the smaller Salisbury in the goalsquare, and errant set shot went right too her where she took the grab and kicked the set shot goal seven minutes into the second term.

#44 Siobhan Ross (Suns Academy)
Defender | 171cm | 16/03/2006

Stats: 10 disposals, 4 marks (1 contested), 2 tackles, 1 inside 50

Played a key role in defence rebounding out of the back 50 and was consistent throughout the match. Her pressure at ground level was very good, and she provided an outlet kick from defence. In one situation where she missed the kick trying to switch, she ran over and helped out to mop up, win the ball and thump it down the line off the left. Had a highlight moment when fending off Milne inside the defensive 50 with great strength.

BOND UNIVERSITY:

#26 Nyalli Milne (Suns Academy)
Wing | 171cm | 26/05/2006

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 mark (1 contested), 3 clearances, 5 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 behind

Set the tone for her performance with a huge run-down tackle on Emma Suckling on the wing, and continued to apply herself defensively throughout the match. Milne constantly burst forward and looked lively, with her explosive speed causing headaches for the opposition. Though playing off a wing, Milne can push up to attend stoppages and won a few clearances in the process. She can tend to dump the ball on the boot a little when under pressure which is a good area of improvement for the future, but when she gets goalside, no one is catching her and she provides some unbelievable moments. Had a shot on goal under pressure that bounced into the post unluckily.

#33 Skye White (Suns Academy)
Defender | 174cm | 03/07/2005

Stats: 11 disposals, 1 clearance, 3 tackles, 3 inside 50s

Played her role in defence coming back into the side and worked hard there and pushing up the ground. At times White would work up to a wing and managed to keep it in, getting a couple of touches away cleanly. Applying defensive pressure and working well one-on-one, she did what she could in the back 50.

#35 Bronte Parker (Suns Academy)
Forward | 169cm | 19/01/2007

Stats: 7 disposals, 1 mark, 4 tackles, 1 goal

Essentially staying forward and bringing the front half pressure at ground level, Parker was a spark at different times from limited opportunities. A naturally defensive player, Parker applied fantastic determination with her work, and got to reap the rewards of Bond’s repeat forward entries during the second term. When a looseball came in, Parker scooped it up and got it on her boot to etch her name onto the goalkickers list. Not a heap of touches but had an impact.

#53 Mia Salisbury (Suns Academy)
Midfielder | 168cm | 27/06/2006

Stats: 16 disposals, 6 clearances, 3 hitouts, 4 tackles

Was very strong around the clearances, racking up a game-high six for the match and holding her own against experienced opposition. The top-ager’s form this season has been getting better and better, and Salisbury was one of her sides’ best once again. Clean off the deck and able to fire off handballs quickly with class and vision, she did miss a few kicks which is uncharacteristic but speaks to the pressure of the contest. Using her body well, Salisbury was not afraid to put her body on the line and even stepped up to compete in a few ruck contests too.

#63 Havana Harris (Suns Academy)
Ruck/Forward | 181cm | 01/07/2006

Stats: 17 disposals, 4 marks, 2 clearances, 18 hitouts, 2 tackles, 7 inside 50s

The potential pick one was one of her side’s best and had a great battle with Davies all day. Though Davies might have edged ahead around the ruck contests at times, Harris provided plenty of drive inside 50 and was fantastic in her work to get into space and thump it long. She rotated forward to be a target in there as well, and the ball just seemed to find her. She might not have kicked a goal on the day, but caught the attention of the opposition defence.