THE QAFL Women’s competition continued to heat up in Round 11, with Southport’s win over Coorparoo seeing the Sharks surge to the top of the ladder. The premiership contenders asserted their dominance across the board, with Bond University settling into second spot and Wilston Grange leapfrogging Morningside in the top five, as Maroochydore secured its second win and Aspley kept its finals hopes alive with a massive victory.

Southport 7.6 (48) def. Coorparoo 2.4 (16)

In a highly anticipated clash at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport made a major statement by knocking off Coorparoo by 32 points to claim outright top spot on the ladder. The Sharks were in control for most of the contest, holding the Kings to just two goals while kicking seven of their own to secure a crucial victory against a fellow top-four side.

Ella Maurer was exceptional for the victors, gathering 21 disposals, five clearances and six tackles, while Sienna Burnham laid seven tackles to go with her 21 touches and five clearances. Steph O’Brien (20 disposals, nine tackles) and Melita Watts (19 disposals, seven tackles) were also prolific in the midfield battle.

For Coorparoo, Lucy Schneider worked tirelessly for her 23 disposals, while Ayla Fetahagic (22 disposals, three clearances and 11 tackles) and Emily Harding (20 disposals) found plenty of the football. Despite the loss, the Kings’ midfield fought hard against a dominant Southport engine room.

Moreton Bay 1.3 (9) def. by Aspley 13.10 (88)

Aspley proved far too strong for Moreton Bay, cruising to a comprehensive 79-point victory at Red Rooster Park. The Hornets piled on 13 goals to one, dominating possession and territory throughout the afternoon in a result that moves them back into the top half of the table.

Ella Smith was the star of the show, racking up an incredible 38 disposals, nine clearances, eight tackles, and 12 inside 50s in a complete midfield performance. She was well supported by Eva Downie (29 disposals, seven marks, 11 inside 50s) and Sienna Wilson (18 disposals). Dominant forward Jessica Stallard slammed home four goals from 14 disposals to be the best up forward, while Lions Academy young gun Summer Carriage (two goals) chipped in with over-age young tall Monique Corrigan (37 hitouts, two goals).

Jessica Davy fought hard against the tide for the Lions, gathering 24 disposals, six clearances and laying five tackles. Tahlia Benson (22 disposals) and Eva Steers (16 disposals) were also industrious, but Moreton Bay simply could not match Aspley’s firepower.

Bond University 8.8 (56) def. Morningside 1.2 (8)

Bond University flexed its muscles with a commanding 48-point win over Morningside at Bond University Oval. The Bull Sharks kept the Panthers to a solitary goal while registering 16 scoring shots of their own in a dominant display that keeps them firmly in touch with the top of the table.

Shannon Nolan continued her outstanding season with 30 disposals, seven tackles, four inside 50s and a goal, while Evy Reeves was a defensive force with 27 disposals, 14 marks, and eight tackles. Tegan Williams (19 disposals, six marks and three goals) and Jasmyn Davidson (17 disposals, seven clearances and nine tackles) also contributed strongly to the win.

For Morningside, Gracie Roy (26 disposals and four clearances) and Laura Roy (23 disposals, 11 clearances, 12 tackles and six inside 50s) battled hard through the midfield, while Greta Liell-Cock gathered 18 disposals and five clearances. However, the Panthers struggled to penetrate Bond’s resolute defence.

Maroochydore 3.6 (24) def. University of Queensland 0.6 (6)

Maroochydore ground out an 18-point victory over the University of Queensland in a low-scoring affair at Neil Upton Oval. The Roos kept the Red Lionesses goalless for the entire match, securing a hard-fought win that moves them off the bottom of the table.

Sophie Schulze led the way for Maroochydore with a team-high 26 disposals at 73 per cent disposal efficiency, while Bella Phillips (23 disposals, five marks and 10 tackles) and Anita Ovenden (20 disposals, four clearances and seven tackles) were also pivotal. Pippen Russell (20 disposals, five clearances) and Sienna Robson (eight disposals, three marks and all three goals).

Jules Martin was a standout for UQ, accumulating 28 disposals, eight tackles, and six inside 50s. Luka Yoshida-Martin (26 disposals, five clearances and five inside 50s) was equally impressive, and Monique Piunti (18 disposals, six tackles) worked hard, but the Red Lionesses could not find an avenue to goal.

Broadbeach 3.5 (23) def. by Wilston Grange 5.11 (41)

Wilston Grange secured an 18-point win over Broadbeach at Neptune Homes Oval, overcoming a spirited Cats outfit to take the four points. The Gorillas had more scoring opportunities but were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking 5.11 to Broadbeach’s 3.5 in a contest that could have been closer.

Mackenzie Findlay was outstanding for the victors, racking up 25 disposals, nine clearances, and eight tackles. Kaiya Hides (24 disposals, eight marks and three clearances) and Keyshia Matenga (20 disposals, four marks) were also influential, while Layla Collins gathered 20 disposals, seven clearances and laid 13 tackles in a huge performance around the ball

For Broadbeach, Jasmine Single (18 disposals, three tackles) and Alicia Withers (16 disposals, seven clearances and 14 tackles) were important. Chelsea Lee (16 disposals, four marks, four tackles and four inside 50s) and Rachael Slater (10 disposals, three marks and 2.2) also tried hard to keep the Cats in the contest.

QAFL WOMEN’S LADDER AFTER ROUND 11