COORPAROO has shaken off a determined Yeronga South Brisbane in the second half of the QAFL Women’s Round 4 match between the sides, kicking four goals to nil after the main break in a 25-point win. The two sides were level at half-time, but the Kings’ ability to dig deep and slot 4.2 to 0.1 in the second half resulted in the 8.5 (53) to 4.4 (28) victory.

The Kings retained third spot through the win, and resigned the Devils to a fourth straight loss in the season, as Coorparoo has joined the top three sides from last season as a contender for 2024. Boasting a 3-1 record thus far, the Kings are only behind the unbeaten Aspley and the higher percentage of Bond University, while sitting four points and percentage clear of fourth placed Southport.

Though heavily expected to win, Coorparoo did not have it all its own way, as the Devils booted four goals to two in the second term to turnaround an 11-point quarter time deficit and level the scores by the main break. Sensing danger in dropping a game the Kings could not afford to drop if they were to be a title contender, Coorparoo stepped back up to the plate, kicking two goals in each of the third and fourth quarters to be consistent throughout the match and win by 25 points.

Yeronga South Brisbane could take plenty from the loss, breaking even in disposals (204-203) and using the ball at a higher efficiency (65.7 to 59.6 per cent) but just not able to generate enough inside 50s compared to the Kings (23-34).

The two distinct styles of Coorparoo’s predominant kicking game out of congestion, compared to Yeronga South Brisbane’s ball movement by hand to spread to the outside collided in the game, with the Devils getting more time and space than before in this season, racking up 113 uncontested possessions compared to their average of 86.5, while limiting the Kings to 98 when they average 113.5.

Coorparoo’s usual suspects stood up with ball-winner Lucy Schneider (25 disposals, five clearances and three inside 50s) supporting a massive performance from Grace Roberts-White (24 disposals, 11 clearances). The pair were two of four players to rack up five or more clearances in the match, with AFLW-listed Jacinta Baldwick and Emily Harding impacting on the inside.

Jenae Govan slotted three goals from eight touched being a target inside 50, while Baldwick was the other multiple goalkicker with two majors. For the Devils, Courtney McDonnell and Sienna Morassuti both kicked two goals to combine for their team’s entire score.

Chelsea Winn (22 disposals, five marks, three clearances, five tackles and three inside 50s) was impressive once again, while Elizabeth Hill (seven clearances from 15 disposals) and Madison Goodwin 18 touches, three marks and three tackles) were other players who stepped up.

COORPAROO 2.0 | 4.3 | 6.4 | 8.5 (53)
YERONGA SOUTH BRISBANE 0.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 (28)

GOALS:
Coorparoo: J. Govan 3, J. Baldwick 2, A. Gall, K. Geddes 1, G. Perry
Yeronga: C. McDonnell 2, S. Morassuti 2.

RMC BEST:
Coorparoo: J. Govan, M. Muir, G. Perry, A. Gall, J. Baldwick
Yeronga: J. Howell, E. Hill, S. Wilson, M. Goodwin. C. Winn

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Wilston Grange 1.2 (8) lost to Bond University 6.3 (39)

Bond University maintained its top two position with four goals to nil after quarter time in a 31-point victory over Wilston Grange. Arianna Clarke (three goals) was the major goalkicker on the day, with Bull Sharks’ Charlotte Taylor and Courtney Sexton named among the best. Keyshia Matenga and Summer Hamilton (one goal) were the best of the Gorillas.

Southport 3.5 (23) defeated University of Queensland 2.3 (15)

Southport survived an almighty scare against the Red Lionesses, grounding out a narrow eight-point win at Fankhauser Reserve. Leading by no more than a kick through the first three breaks, the Sharks scored the all-important last goal to record the victory. Kierra Zerafa was named best on ground in the win, while Harriet Knijff was impressive for the losing side.

Maroochydore 1.2 (8) lost to Aspley 8.9 (57)

Ladder leaders Aspley proved too strong for Maroochydore and returned home from their trip up north with the four points. The Hornets won every quarter and booted two goals in each term, limiting the Roos to just one major for the entire match. Lucy Pengelly and Holly O’Flaherty were impressive, while Sara-Jane O’Grady was named best-on for the home side.