COORPAROO bounced back from its Round 2 loss with a comprehensive 80-point victory over reigning premiers, University of Queensland in Round 3 of the QAFL Women’s competition. After a competitive two-goal defeat at the hands of title contenders Bond University last week, the Kings were far too good for a rebuilding Red Lionesses squad, running out 12.10 (82) to 0.2 (2) on the road.

Off the back of a plus-24 inside 50 differential, the Kings were able to not only get the ball inside 50, but also hit targets with 18 marks in that zone compared to the Red Lionesses’ four from 19 entries. Starting off strongly, the Kings booted 3.3 to 0.1 in the opening term to take a 20-point lead at the first break. By half-time that had grown to 32 points, keeping the Red Lionesses to just one behind while adding 2.1 themselves.

Despite the best efforts of Ava Seton who brought her own ball to the game, the even contribution across the board was key for the visitors. AFLW premiership captain Emma Zielke provided the level head in a different role inside 50, while Laura Blue and Chelsea Winn were also busy around the ball.

On the scoreboard, the Kings went about their business, with a seven-goal second half to put the foot down and run out comfortable winners. Perhaps the biggest tick for the winners was the fact they had 10 individual goal kickers from the 12 goals, with only Zielke and ex-Western Bulldogs VFLW midfielder Lucy Schneider adding two goals.

Coorparoo controlled the game winning 47 more contested possessions (177-130), as well as taking 29 more marks (60-31). While the Red Lionesses did get some run on the outside with 105-84 uncontested possessions, ultimately the overwhelming inside 50 count was too much.

Blue was named best-on for her 17 disposals, six marks – two contested – six tackles, eight inside 50s and a goal, winning it at the source and pumping it inside 50. Ayla Fetahagic was also impressive with 18 touches – a whopping 14 contested – and six marks including four intercept. Zielke had 20 touches and four marks to go with her two goals, while Winn finished with 21 disposals, five marks, two clearances, four inside 50s and two goals. Jessica Watts (24 disposals) was the top ball-winner for the Kings.

Seton was the clear standout for the Red Lionesses in the loss, racking up 32 disposals – 27 contested – seven marks, three clearances, three tackles and three inside 50s. Jessi Henning (23 disposals, three marks, three tackles and two spoils) worked hard in defence, while Lauren Middleton and Harriet Knijff were named among the best.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bond University continued its unbeaten streak with a comprehensive 11.9 (75) to 2.5 (17) victory over Wilston Grange. Keeping the Gorillas scoreless in the first half while piling on 7.3 (45) themselves set up the Bull Sharks’ win, with the four goals to two second half a lot tighter and credit to the home side for reducing the damage.

Ava Usher was outstanding with 19 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency, while booting 4.2 playing up forward. The double bottom-ager was not alone though with Georgia Johnson (26 disposals, three marks and four inside 50s) and Mia Salisbury (24 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency) also impressive, while Lily Tarlinton booted 3.3 from 10 touches. For the Gorillas, Mackenzie Findlay and Zimra Hussain both clocked up 24 disposals.

Southport’s unbeaten streak also continued in Round 3 with a 31-point win over Aspley at Fankhauser Reserve. The Sharks burst out of the blocks to boot 4.2 to 0.0 in the first term, and kicked the only two behinds of the second quarter. It was far closer after the main break with both teams booting the two goals, but the victory was set up with that dominant first half for the home team to win, 6.8 (44) to 2.1 (13).

Steph O’Brien had a day out racking up 42 disposals, four marks, two clearances, 10 inside 50s and laying 11 tackles in a remarkable performance for the Bull Sharks. Selina Priest (26 disposals, six marks, five tackles, four inside 50s and three spoils) also stepped up, while Madeleine Watt and Sarah Ingham had the 24 touches apiece. Over-age forward Maggie O’Connell booted four goals from 14 touches and four marks. The Hornets duo of Lucia Liessi and Mikayla Martin combined for 43 touches, seven marks, 14 clearances and 10 tackles in defeat.

In the other match, Maroochydore proved too strong for Yeronga South Brisbane, winning by six goals at Leyshon Park. The Roos were challenged early but booted seven goals to two after quarter time to secure the four points via an 8.11 (59) to 3.5 (23) result.

Sara-Jane O’Grady continued her strong start to the season with 21 disposals, five intercept marks, two tackles and two inside 50s. Renee Teys (26 disposals, seven marks, 14 hitouts, two clearances and two inside 50s) was impressive, while Imagen David had the 24 disposals, two marks and two clearances. Farrandai Hopkins was named the Devils’ best after 13 disposals, two marks, three tackles and two inside 50s, while Sophie Dunne (17 disposals, five marks and three inside 50s) was her side’s top ball-winner.