THE QAFLW semi-final matchup is set after Morningside and Bond University produced convincing elimination final victories on Saturday. Morningside broke away from Wilston Grange in the final term to win by 57 points, while Bond University kept Aspley to a solitary goal in its 38-point triumph.

Both sides earned their progression through clear territorial control. Morningside’s clearance work and forward-half pressure proved too much for Wilston Grange, while Bond University made the most of a dominant inside 50 count against Aspley. The two winners will now meet with a place in the preliminary final on the line.

Morningside 11.11 (77) defeated Wilston Grange 3.2 (20)

Morningside took control from the outset at Jack Esplen Oval, opening with 3.4 to hold Wilston Grange scoreless at quarter-time. The Gorillas worked their way into the contest with two second-term goals, but still trailed by 23 points at the main break and could not bridge the gap thereafter.

The Panthers continued to build their lead through the third term, then put the result beyond doubt with 4.4 to 0.0 in the final quarter. Morningside generated a significant 41-21 inside-50 advantage and won the clearances 37-18, turning its stoppage ascendancy into a steady flow of attacking chances.

Zoe Petrides was outstanding with 25 disposals, six clearances, seven inside 50s and a goal. Kaitlyn Day (20 disposals, three clearances) and Courtney McDonnell (two goals) were also prominent, while Ella Gibson combined 20 hitouts, five tackles and a goal. Lucy McCormick and Sophie Balcombe rounded out Morningside’s best players. Youngsters Stella Scott and Isabella Levine combined for 52 disposals and 10 clearances.

For Wilston Grange, Abbey Crowe worked hard with 20 disposals, four clearances and five inside 50s. Layla Collins laid 11 tackles from 18 disposals, while Summer Hamilton provided drive with 16 disposals, three clearances, four inside 50s and a goal. Tshinta Kendall booted two goals in the defeat, with Rhani Dodd and Gemma Donataccio also named among the Gorillas’ best.

MORNINGSIDE 3.4 | 5.6 | 7.7 | 11.11 (77)
WILSTON GRANGE 0.0 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 3.2 (20)

GOALS:
Morningside: L. Roy 2, R. Baviello 2, C. McDonnell 2, S. Scott, Z. Petrides, R. Taylor, E. Gibson, N. Irvine
Wilston Grange: T. Kendall 2, S. Hamilton

BEST:
Morningside: L. McCormick, S. Balcombe, K. Day, C. McDonnell, Z. Petrides
Wilston Grange: R. Dodd, A. Crowe, L. Collins, S. Hamilton, G. Donataccio

Bond University 6.10 (46) defeated Aspley 1.2 (8)

Bond University made the early break against Aspley, kicking three goals in the opening quarter to lead by 14 points at the first change. Aspley managed just two behinds after quarter-time as the Bull Sharks tightened their grip on the contest, adding a goal in each of the remaining three terms to seal a 38-point victory.

The home side repeatedly forced the ball forward, recording 39 inside 50s to Aspley’s 14. It also held a 65-disposal advantage and won clearances 30-24, ensuring its defenders had limited scoreboard pressure to contend with. Aspley’s 128 tackles underlined its pressure around the contest, though the Hornets could not translate that work rate into sufficient attacking entries.

Evy Reeves accumulated 33 disposals, six inside 50s and eight tackles in an influential display for Bond University. Shannon Nolan was equally effective in the midfield with 26 disposals, eight clearances and eight inside 50s, while Jasmyn Davidson laid 12 tackles from 21 disposals. Skye White dominated the ruck with 23 hitouts and added 14 tackles and a goal. Nikki Sandeman and Grace Ella completed the Bull Sharks’ best-player group.

Aspley captain Ella Smith was immense in defeat, racking up 44 disposals and eight clearances. Lauren Middleton collected 19 disposals and three clearances, while Monique Corrigan competed strongly in the ruck with 20 hitouts and nine tackles. Elizabeth Hill, Sienna Wilson and Niamh McCarthy were also named among Aspley’s best.

BOND UNIVERSITY 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.10 (46)
ASPLEY 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.2 (8)

GOALS:
Bond University: T. Williams, M. Brosnan-Ball, S. White, L. Samuels, K. Blattman, T. Ella
Aspley: M. Tallis

BEST:
Bond University: E. Reeves, S. White, J. Davidson, S. Nolan, N. Sandeman
Aspley: E. Smith, E. Hill, L. Middleton, M. Corrigan, S. Wilson

Morningside and Bond University now turn their attention to a semi-final encounter, with the Panthers’ clearance strength set to be tested by a Bull Sharks side which consistently found ways to own territory in its elimination final.