Around the Country: Coorparoo shakes up the top three with nail-biting win
COORPAROO has thrown the top three of the QAFL Women’s competition into a spin after a thrilling three-point victory over Bond University at Giffin Park on Saturday. The result sees the Kings leapfrog the Bull Sharks into second place on the ladder. Here’s how Round 14 of the QAFL Women’s played out over the weekend.
Maroochydore 2.11 (23) def. by Broadbeach 5.5 (35)
Broadbeach secured its fifth win of the season with a hard-fought 12-point victory over Maroochydore at Meridan Plains. In a tight contest, the Cats’ accuracy in front of goal proved to be the difference, converting five goals from 10 scoring shots, while the Roos struggled to capitalise on their opportunities, managing just two majors from 13 scoring shots.
Drew Barnes was a standout for Broadbeach, collecting a team-high 25 disposals, five marks, two clearances and two inside 50s. Stephanie Aguinaldo was a major driving force with 22 disposals, five marks, six clearances, seven inside 50s and two crucial goals. Makayla Sekac (23 disposals, four marks, five clearances and four tackles) and Alicia Withers (21 disposals, three clearances and seven tackles) were also instrumental for the Cats.
For Maroochydore, Molly Ferguson was exceptional, racking up 27 disposals, five marks, five clearances and four inside 50s. Kya Wills-Rawlings (23 disposals, six marks, eight tackles and six inside 50s) and Anita Ovenden (21 disposals, three marks, three clearances and four tackles) fought hard in defeat, while Pippen Russell kicked both of the Roos’ goals.
Southport 8.6 (54) def. Aspley 3.3 (21)
Southport maintained its dominance at the top of the ladder with a comfortable 33-point win over Aspley at Fankhauser Reserve. The Sharks controlled the contest for much of the afternoon, extending their lead at every break to secure their 12th win of the season and keep the Hornets just outside the top five.
Steph O’Brien was enormous for Southport, finishing with 27 disposals, nine marks, four clearances, eight tackles, seven inside 50s and a goal. Rianna Schipp (23 disposals, three marks, three clearances and six tackles) and Ella Maurer (23 disposals, four clearances and two tackles) were also prolific through the midfield. Giselle Davies chipped in with two goals, while Sienna Clinch dominated the ruck with 26 hitouts.
Former AFLW player Ella Smith fought a lone hand for Aspley, gathering 31 disposals, five marks, eight clearances and eight tackles. Eva Downie (26 disposals, three marks, three clearances, eight tackles and eight inside 50s) and Summer Carriage (22 disposals, three marks, 10 tackles and five inside 50s) also worked tirelessly for the Hornets.
Moreton Bay 2.5 (17) def. by University of Queensland 12.12 (84)
The University of Queensland produced a commanding performance to thrash Moreton Bay by 67 points at Red Rooster Park. The Red Lionesses were far too strong for the cellar-dwelling Lions, piling on 12 goals to two in a comprehensive display that keeps them mathematically alive in the finals race.
Luka Yoshida-Martin was best afield for UQ, racking up 32 disposals, three clearances, three tackles, six inside 50s and a goal. Freya Ross (26 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles and six inside 50s) and Elka Barnett (25 disposals, seven marks, two clearances and a goal) were also outstanding. Lily Gilliland was the main beneficiary up forward, kicking three goals.
For Moreton Bay, Jessica Davy battled hard with 26 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles and nine inside 50s. Arden Quilliam (20 disposals and three tackles) and Tiarna Ahwang (14 disposals, four marks, two clearances and 10 hitouts) also tried hard in a tough outing.
Coorparoo 2.3 (15) def. Bond University 1.6 (12)
In the game of the round, Coorparoo held on in a defensive slugfest to defeat Bond University by just three points at Giffin Park. The low-scoring affair saw both teams struggle to hit the scoreboard, but the Kings managed to kick two crucial goals to the Bull Sharks’ one, securing a victory that moves them up to second on the ladder.
Ayla Fetahagic was pivotal for Coorparoo, collecting 23 disposals, four marks, three clearances and three tackles. Grace Roberts-White (22 disposals, three marks, three clearances and nine tackles) and Grace Osborne (14 disposals, four clearances and a massive 17 tackles) applied immense pressure all day.
Shannon Nolan was the leading ball-winner for Bond University, finishing with 23 disposals, six clearances, 10 tackles and five inside 50s. Evy Reeves (20 disposals, three marks, two clearances and seven tackles) and Aleira Usher (13 disposals, 14 tackles and two inside 50s) were also strong contributors for the Bull Sharks.
Morningside 5.8 (38) def. Wilston Grange 1.4 (10)
Morningside secured a vital 28-point victory over Wilston Grange at Jack Esplen Oval, moving level on points with the fourth-placed Gorillas. The Panthers controlled the game after a tight first quarter, keeping Wilston Grange to just one goal for the entire match while adding five of their own.
Stella Scott led the way for Morningside with 22 disposals, six marks, five clearances and 10 tackles. Gracie Roy (20 disposals, three marks, three tackles and a goal) and Raffi Baviello (18 disposals, two clearances and three inside 50s) were also influential. Ella Gibson provided great service in the ruck with 29 hitouts.
For Wilston Grange, Zimra Hussain was the standout, gathering 24 disposals, three marks and two inside 50s. Layla Collins (22 disposals, four marks, two clearances and three tackles) and Mackenzie Findlay (21 disposals, two marks, four clearances and four tackles) also found plenty of the football in defeat.