ASPLEY Hornets will be hoping to springboard off a Round 1 draw with Coorparoo when it takes on Yeronga South Brisbane at Graham Road tomorrow afternoon. The Hornets will fancied for the win given the Devils fell to Wilston Grange in Round 1, the Gorillas’ first win since 2021.

ASPLEY vs. YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE
Saturday, April 22 @ Graham Road, 4:45pm

Aspley Hornets had a slow start against the Kings in Round 1, slipping 19 points behind at the first break and remaining 17 points down at half-time despite only two less scoring shots. The visitors found their kicking boots in the second half to kick 4.5 to 2.0 but the inaccuracy hurt as they were forced to split the points with a more accurate Kings side, 6.5 (41) to 5.11 (41).

Yeronga South Brisbane had similar troubles in front of goal en route to a three-point defeat at the hands of the Gorillas, booting an identical scoreline to the Hornets in the first half, 1.6 (12). They only trailed by a point at that stage, but that drifted to 10 points by the final break after the Gorillas booted 2.1 to 0.4. Though the Devils hit back in the last, it was a case of too little, too late and they went down by three points, 4.3 (27) to 2.12 (24).

Tall Peppa Poultney was best-on for the Devils in the loss, with Tamika Smith and Camilla Burnett also among the better players. Courtney McDonnell and Madie Satyasiv were the two goalkickers for the Devils at Leyshon Park, but will be hoping for more of a contribution across the board in Round 2.

Aspley also had its fair share of contributors, with Abby Pengelly and Emma Pittman named the Hornets’ best, as was Louise Tyson. Hornets recruit Mikayla Martin booted three goals in the draw making a famed club debut having crossed from Maroochydore.

With the homeground advantage, expect Aspley to be the favourites and have a little bit too much experience, but it might come down to the side that can capitalise best on its chances in front of goal, an area that both teams struggled with in Round 1.

SOUTHPORT vs. WILSTON GRANGE
Saturday, April 22 @ Fankhauser Reserve, 2pm

Southport is missing some of its talented young guns, but still heads in as overwhelming favourites at home given its Round 1 showing. Carly Remmos, Selina Priest and Steph O’Brien are among the key movers for the Sharks as they are tipped to make a 2-0 start to the season following a big win over reigning premiers University of Queensland last week.

Wilston Grange broke through for its first win in over a year in Round 1, and Mackenzie Findlay lead from the front. The Gorillas do have plenty of talent on their list including Rising Star nominee, Zimra Hussain, and best on ground last week, Kalista-Jayne Shiner. Watch for Ella Smith to add her experience against the Sharks, while Keyshia Matenga has that eye-catching speed.

MAROOCHYDORE vs. UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
Saturday, April 22 @ Neil Upton Oval, 2pm

Maroochydore will want to quickly put its Round 1 loss to Bond University behind it against a team that will be feeling similar pain in the University of Queensland. The Red Lionesses went down to Southport in a heavy defeat, with plenty of new faces donning the jumper for the reigning premiers. Both teams will be keen to put in strong showings here and the homeground advantage will favour the Roos.

Kelsee Sills copped a knock early last week but the captain has been named to play for the Roos, while Jessee Sills was consistent throughout the match. Sara-Jane O’Grady and Kaiya Hides were both impressive, though the loss of Kiara Hillier will hurt the Roos. Youngsters, Ava Seton and Kadie Fletcher are ones who could cause headaches for the Red Lionesses, while Madi Crowley-Long leads by example.

Note: Bond University and Coorparoo face off on Tuesday in a special Anzac Day clash at the former’s homeground.