THE QAFL Women’s competition saw some crucial matchups in Round 13, with Southport extending its lead at the top of the ladder with a dominant win over Bond University. Elsewhere, Aspley kept its finals hopes alive with an important victory over Morningside, while Wilston Grange, Coorparoo, and Broadbeach all secured important wins.

Morningside 3.6 (24) def. by Aspley 5.5 (35)

Aspley secured a vital 11-point victory over Morningside at Jack Esplen Oval, keeping the Hornets right in the mix for a top five finish. In a tightly contested match, Aspley managed to find an edge, restricting Morningside to just three goals while kicking five of their own. The win moves Aspley to 28 points, just four points behind the fifth-placed Morningside.

Former AFLW player Ella Smith was the standout for the Hornets, accumulating a massive 34 disposals, seven clearances, nine tackles and five inside 50s. She was well supported by Eva Downie (27 disposals, four clearances, nine tackles and five inside 50s) and Monique Corrigan who starred through the ruck with 21 hitouts.

For Morningside, Laura Roy battled hard with 28 disposals, four clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s. Isabella Levine (26 disposals, five clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s) and Gracie Roy (18 disposals, six tackles and five inside 50s) also found plenty of the football.

Maroochydore 2.1 (13) def. by Coorparoo 2.5 (17)

In a low-scoring, defensive struggle at Neil Upton Oval, Coorparoo managed to edge out Maroochydore by just four points. Both teams only managed two goals for the match, but the Kings’ slight advantage in scoring shots proved to be the difference, solidifying their spot in the top three.

Lucy Schneider was crucial for Coorparoo, gathering 25 disposals, four clearances, three tackles and six inside 50s. Grace Roberts-White (24 disposals, 13 clearances) and Ayla Fetahagic (20 disposals, four clearances and two inside 50s) were also pivotal in the tight contest.

Gabi Simpson led the way for Maroochydore with 24 disposals and three marks. Sophie Schulze (17 disposals, three tackles) and Abbey Tognazzini (16 disposals, eight clearances and 11 tackles) were standouts as well.

Broadbeach 1.17 (23) def. Moreton Bay 1.3 (9)

Broadbeach claimed a 14-point victory over Moreton Bay at Kombumerri Park in a match defined by inaccurate kicking from the Cats. Broadbeach registered 18 scoring shots to Moreton Bay’s four but could only manage one major, ultimately winning 1.17 (23) to 1.3 (9).

Maddie Campbell was everywhere for the Cats, finishing with 20 disposals, two clearances, eight tackles and four inside 50s, pairing well with Jasmine Single (20 disposals, four inside 50s). Stephanie Aguinaldo (20 disposals, three marks, five clearances and seven tackles) and Halle Cunningham (19 disposals, two clearances, three tackles and four inside 50s) were also strong contributors.

For the Lions, Jessica Davy was a standout with 26 disposals, seven clearances, 10 tackles and her side’s sole goal. Mahalia Johnson (17 disposals, two tackles) and Emmerson Brady (12 disposals, two clearances and five tackles) also worked hard.

Bond University 0.6 (6) def. by Southport 6.7 (43)

Southport made a major statement in the top-of-the-table clash, comfortably defeating Bond University by 37 points at Bond University Oval. The Sharks kept the Bull Sharks goalless for the entire match, showcasing their premiership credentials and extending their lead at the top of the ladder.

Ella Maurer was exceptional for Southport, racking up 28 disposals, three clearances, seven tackles and two inside 50s. Ruby Mitchell (23 disposals, two clearances, five tackles and six inside 50s) and Stephanie O’Brien (21 disposals, three clearances, nine tackles and six inside 50s) were also dominant in the midfield.

Evy Reeves fought valiantly for Bond University, accumulating 33 disposals, two clearances, seven tackles and six inside 50s. Shannon Nolan (22 disposals, eight tackles) and Grace Moodie (21 disposals, four tackles) were also busy for the home side.

Wilston Grange 6.10 (46) def. University of Queensland 3.3 (21)

Wilston Grange secured a solid 25-point win over the University of Queensland at Hickey Park, keeping themselves firmly in the top four. The Gorillas had the better of the scoring opportunities, converting six goals to UQ’s three to take the points.

Layla Collins was a force for Wilston Grange, gathering 31 disposals, seven clearances, nine tackles and three inside 50s. Zimra Hussain (23 disposals, six clearances, three inside 50s and three goals) and Mackenzie Findlay (22 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles and six inside 50s) were also highly influential.

For UQ, Luka Yoshida-Martin led the way with 24 disposals, five clearances, six tackles and two inside 50s. Jules Martin (20 disposals, three clearances and seven tackles) and Elka Barnett (14 disposals, seven tackles and one goal) were also strong performers in defeat.