MORETON Bay Lions are on the board in season 2025 after one of the league’s newest sides posted their first victory since coming into the top flight. The Lions engaged in a hard-fought tussle with fell winless team Yeronga South Brisbane, but showed great spirit to kick away in the fourth quarter and win by 20 points.

The Lions failed to kick a goal in the opening term, then were plague by inaccuracy in the next, but had so many shots on goal they build a six-point lead at the main change. Despite the Devils making the most of their opportunities in the third term – and sitting at 3.1 (19) – the Lions – who were now 2.10 (22) – still managed to hold a slender lead.

It was not until the fourth term when Moreton Bay finally got bang for buck, booting two goals and keeping its opposition scoreless at the same time. In the end, the home fans had a reason to cheer with the Lions getting up at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, 4.15 (39) to 3.1 (19).

Realistically the game should have been far more one-sided with Moreton Bay having a whopping 71 more disposals, 34 more contested possessions and 52 more uncontested possessions, while winning the clearances 30-14. and inside 50 count, 35-16. However the inaccuracy – and brave defending from the Devils – kept it close.

Jessica Davy was enormous for the Lions, recording 29 disposals, seven clearances, 10 inside 50s and a goal in the win, while Grace Pearson-Smith supported her well finishing wiht 21 disposals, four clearances, three inside 50s and two goals. Voted best by the coaches was Tahlia Benson with the former Lions Academy member working hard for 14 disposals, three marks and three clearances. Taylor McCosker and Tahlia Smith were also named among the best in the Lions’ win.

For the Devils, Thyra Leanne Tavil (18 disposals, two clearances and five inside 50s) tried hard alongside Lekaiya Rabbitt (16 disposals, four marks and four inside 50s to create some run and carry, while Eliza Haigh was named best-on by the coaches. Clancey Sutton (14 disposals, three clearances) and Lily Clutton also found their fair share of the ball.

MORETON BAY LIONS 0.1 | 1.7 | 2.10 | 4.15 (39)
YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE | 1.1 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 (19)

GOALS:
Moreton Bay: G. Pearson-Smith, J. Davy, M. Johnson
Yeronga: K. Bell, D. Iovenitti, K. Rowe

BEST:
Moreton Bay: T. Benson, J. Davy, T. McCosker, T. Smith. C. Tarr
Yeronga: E. Haigh, T. Tavil, M. McHugh, S. Willson, K. Bell

AROUND THE GROUNDS

While Moreton Bay only notched up its first win of the season, fellow first-season team Morningside is yet to pick up its first loss. The Saint fought off Coorparoo in challenging conditions to win by four points, 3.1 (19) to 2.3 (15). Gracie and Laura Roy were superb for the Saints once again, while Lucy Bellinger kicked a couple of goals for the winners. Ayla Fetahagic was named best-on for the Kings.

Southport’s winning run continued with a 67-point smashing of University of Queensland. The Red Lionesses only scored in the last term and by then it was far to late with the Shark making it five straight wins with a comprehensive 10.13 (73) to 1.0 (6) win at Fankhauser Reserve. Steph O’Brien booted two goals and was a star yet again, while Caitlin Miller was the other multiple goalkicker and named among the best. University of Queensland’s Samantha Snowden was named best by her coaches.

Bond University fought off a gallant Aspley Hornets in a repeat of last year’s preliminary final. The Bull Sharks had a three goals to one start and held them at arms-length from there to come away with the 16-point win at Graham Road, 7.5 (47) to 4.7 (31). Kendra Blattman booted three goals from 18 disposals, five marks and 10 hitouts, while Evy Reeves (two from 16 and five marks) was also busy. Kaitlyn Day (27 disposals, six clearances and two goals) was strong through the middle for the Hornets.

In the last match of the round, Wilston Grange overcame a slow first term to kick six goals to one in the last three quarters against Maroochydore in a 28-point victory, 6.7 (43) to 2.3 (15). Naomi Celebre slotted three goals in the victory with Jasmine Ware and Keyshia Matenga superb. Amy Bissett kicked both of the Roos’ goals, while Abbey Tognazzini was named best-on for the home side.