SECURING a valuable four points in the bank, Coorparoo was able to hold off a determined Wilston Grange in a hard-fought, low-scoring contest at Giffin Park by eight points. It was neck-and-neck throughout the contest, but by kicking the only goal of the second half, the Kings came away with the 4.1 (25) to 2.5 (17) victory.

Coorparoo was looking to extend its advantage in fourth spot to 10 points, while the Gorillas could have drawn within two points with a win, such was the importance of the contest for finals ramifications. Though having a far greater percentage than their opponents, the Kings knew how tough of a slog it would be, going down to Wilston Grange by five points in Round 5.

That proved true in the clash, with both sides kicking a goal in the opening term, but the Kings able to edge away wth a six-point lead by the main break. Chelsea Chesterfield was capitalising up forward for the Kings, while the Gorillas were keeping in touch.

Unfortunately that changed slightly after the break as the Kings kicked the sole goal of the third term to stretch the margin to 11 points at the last change. Wilston Grange had its chances in the final stanza,, but despite having more scoring shots – both in the last term and for the day – could only muster up three behinds to go down, 4.1 (25) to 2.5 (17).

Not much separated the sides in fairness, with the Kings ahead in each statistic, but not by much, favouring a kick-first mentality. Though far from the most skilful game, Coorparoo was again the better side, recording a 43.7 per cent disposal efficiency to Wilston Grange’s 24.5 per cent. The Kings’ ability to control play on the outside with a plus-21 in both marks and uncontested possessions helped, and ultimately saw them pick up 34 inside 50s to 22.

Lucy Schneider and Sally Young were key players for the Kings. Schneider had 28 disposals, eight marks, two clearances and six inside 50s, while Young recorded 26 disposals, six marks, two clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s.

Top-age Queensland State Academy member Coco Garton was also sensational through the ruck, winning 30 hitouts and six clearances from 20 disposals, six marks – two contested and five intercept – as well as three inside 50s. Up forward, Chesterfield finished with three goals from 15 disposals and six marks.

Northern Territory AFLW draft prospect Kierra Zerafa made a starring debut for the Gorillas, collecting a match-high 28 disposals, as well as five clearance and four inside 50s in the loss. Chloe Litherland (27 disposals, three marks, three clearances, nine tackles and three inside 50s) also found plenty of the ball, while double bottom-ager Mia Geere booted both her side’s goals in defeat. The 2008-born Geere also had 14 disposals and took five marks.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Reigning premiers University of Queensland kept its unlikely finals chances alive with a commanding 45-point win over winless Yeronga South Brisbane. The Red Lionesses never looked like losing after quarter time thanks to a five goals to one first half, and though the Devils showed fight in the third term, were ultimately no match for their opponents, going down, 10.10 (70) to 4.1 (25).

Lions Academy skipper Laura Roy teamed up well with Ava Seton in midfield, as the pair combined for 43 disposals, nine clearances and 17 tackles, while Roy also had nine inside 50s and booted a goal. Fellow teenager Brooke Sheridan kicked a couple of goals, while Ashleigh Moyle was named among the best. For Yeronga South Brisbane, Jamie Howell and Peppa Poultney were both impressive.

Bond University further extended its lead in second spot over Aspley Hornets with a 29-point win at home. The Bull Sharks piled on six goals to two in the opening term and lead by 26 points half-time. Though the Hornets cut that to 20 by the final break, the Bull Sharks were able to remain composed and post an 11.8 (74) to 7.3 (45) victory.

Jasmyn Davidson booted two goals from 20 disposals for the winners, also having 25 hitouts, five clearances and three inside 50s. Fellow talls Lily Tarlinton and Havana Harris were also among the targets inside 50 with a couple of goals each, while Tara Harrington impressed with a goal from 16 disposals. Courtney Daniec had a game-high 22 disposals and six clearances for the Hornets, while AFLW Academy member Rania Crozier booted two goals from 13 disposals.

In the final game, Southport was too strong for a gallant Maroochydore, running away with a 35-point win at Neil Upton Oval. The Roos came to play on the Sunshine Coast, only trailing by 12 points at the main break and 23 points at the last change, but the Sharks just did enough, kicking three goals to one in the final term to book a 7.8 (50) to 2.3 (15) win.

Fresh off an MVP performance for her state against Tasmania, Southport utility Steph O’Brien had 32 disposals, four clearances and nine inside 50s, while kicking three behinds. Rianna Schipp and Madeleine Watt also clocked past the 30 touches, with Georgia Breward (25 disposals, five clearances) combining for 23 of their side’s 33 clearances. On debut, Central District premiership player Caitlin Wendland had 10 disposals, four clearances and eight tackles in the win.

For the Roos, Sophie Peters had 20 disposals at 70 per cent efficiency, while Sara-Jane O’Grady was also among the best in the loss.