COORPAROO has snatched outright top spot on the QAFLW ladder after edging Wilston Grange by a solitary point in a pulsating match of the round, while Southport made a massive statement against Bond University to leapfrog into second place and Moreton Bay Lions enjoyed a slice of history with their first ever QAFLW win across an action-packed Round 8.

QAFL Women’s: Round 8

The match of the round delivered a nail-biting finish, with Coorparoo defeating Wilston Grange 3.4 (22) to 3.3 (21) to take outright top spot on the ladder at 7-1. In a fiercely contested battle between two top-four sides, the Kings held their nerve to secure a vital victory that leaves the Gorillas in fourth.

Jacinta Baldwick was excellent for the Kings with 18 disposals, four tackles, and five marks, while Chloe Haines (18 disposals, six tackles, five marks and four inside 50s) and Lucy Schneider (17 disposals, four marks, a goal) were crucial contributors. For Wilston Grange, Layla Collins was immense in a losing cause, gathering 21 disposals, nine clearances, 14 tackles and two marks. Keyshia Matenga (20 disposals, four tackles and four inside 50s) and Zimra Hussain (20 disposals, five marks) also fought hard all day.

Southport produced a dominant display to smash reigning premiers and top-of-the-table rivals Bond University 14.11 (95) to 4.4 (28). The emphatic 67-point victory saw the Sharks leapfrog the Bull Sharks into second place on the ladder, asserting their premiership credentials in no uncertain terms.

Steph O’Brien was the star of the show, racking up 28 disposals, three clearances, four tackles, five inside 50s, and a goal. Tayla Christensen was a commanding presence with 24 disposals, four marks, and three goals, while Ella Maurer (23 disposals, seven clearances and a goal) and Sienna Burnham (23 disposals, 12 tackles, six inside 50s and a goal) were relentless. For Bond University, Evy Reeves (21 disposals, four clearances, four marks, a goal) and Shannon Nolan (20 disposals, five clearances, eight tackles) battled bravely against the tide.

Moreton Bay celebrated a historic milestone, securing its first-ever QAFLW victory with a hard-fought 5.6 (36) to 4.4 (28) win over Maroochydore. The eight-point triumph sparked jubilant scenes for the bottom-placed side, providing a much-deserved reward for their perseverance this season.

Emmerson Brady led the charge for the victors with 24 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles and four inside 50s, supported brilliantly by Jessica Davy (21 disposals, nine tackles, a goal) and Tahlia Benson (15 disposals, five marks). For the Roos, Jade Brazier was a standout with 25 disposals, three clearances and four marks, while Brooke Edwards (22 disposals, six tackles) and Sophie Schulze (21 disposals, six tackles) worked tirelessly.

Morningside bounced back emphatically from its heavy loss to Southport last week, dismantling Broadbeach 12.7 (79) to 2.1 (13). The 66-point win consolidates the Panthers’ position in fifth place, keeping them firmly in the finals hunt.

A trio of Panthers stuffed the stats sheet through the middle as Lions Academy top-ager Stella Scott was dominant with 31 disposals, four clearances, five tackles, six marks and three goals, while Isabella Levine (29 disposals, seven clearances and six tackles) was strong on the inside and Laura Roy (28 disposals, five clearances, five marks and three goals) also booted a trio of majors.

For Broadbeach, bottom-age Suns Academy star Asia Single (29 disposals, five tackles and eight inside 50s) was a clear standout, while Alicia Withers (24 disposals, 14 tackles) and Single’s older sister Jasmine (21 disposals, seven tackles and four marks) fought hard under immense pressure.

Aspley secured its second consecutive victory, defeating University of Queensland 6.6 (42) to 3.5 (23) in a crucial battle between two mid-table sides. The 19-point win moves the Hornets to 4-4 for the season, while the Red Lionesses slip to 3-5.

Ella Smith was the standout performer on the ground, amassing 32 disposals, seven clearances, six marks and eight inside 50s to drive the Hornets forward. Lucia Liessi (26 disposals, five marks) and Isabella McDonough (23 disposals, five clearances and nine inside 50s) were also instrumental, while Eva Downie added a goal from her 17 disposals. For UQ, Luka Yoshida-Martin (21 disposals, four clearances and four tackles) and Jules Martin (20 disposals, five tackles and four inside 50s) gave their all.