SOUTHPORT stunned the Aspley Hornets to hand them their first QAFL Women’s loss of the season, doing the work early to win by 27 points at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

The Sharks kicked two goals in the first two minutes of the match to set the tone, stretching the lead out to 31 points by the main break.

All eight goals the Sharks kicked were individual goalkickers, and their ability to use it effectively in transition and share it around proved the difference. Despite their first loss, the Hornets remain on top of the QAFLW ladder, one game ahead of Southport with four games remaining before finals.

Southport 8.5 (53) def by. Aspley 3.8 (26)

FIRST QUARTER

One of the top 2025 AFLW Draft prospects in Dekota Baron started with purpose, utilising her strength to keep the ball inside the Sharks forward 50 early.

Megan Hunt got the Sharks off to a flyer with her forward pressure inside 50, winning a one-on-one contest as a loose ball came her way, kicking the Sharks first within the first minute.

It was only 60 seconds later the Sharks added another with their intense forward entries, this time Kierra Zerafa the beneficiary, holding her width outside the stoppage to capitalise on open space, slotting through her first on the run.

The defensive efforts of Tearnie Brown kept the ball submerged inside Southport’s forward half, and it wasn’t until halfway through the first quarter Aspley saw their first inside 50 entry.

Baron popped up again early in the first quarter with her only goal of the day, reading the play well inside 50 to cut off a switching kick in a dangerous area close to goal, and converting the set shot.

As the chaos ensued, Tiarna Ernst held her own defensively for the Hornets, battling well in her one-on-one contests, a physical threat throughout the day.

The Sharks added another goal to the tally through the swift hands of Tayla Gregory, who gave it off to a running Sunny Lappin, streaming into goal for the fourth goal of the quarter. Momentum shifted back the way of the Hornets late into the quarter, but not enough to get repetitive looks inside 50, facing a 26-1 deficit at the first break.

SECOND QUARTER

Aspley’s energy shifted early into the second quarter, finding a lot of the footy forward of centre, but unable to capitalise on their early dominance inside 50. In transition, Jessica Davy was efficient with her bodywork to prevent loose ball turnovers, continuing to provide run and carry down the line.

After a sustained period of possession, the Hornets finally got their reward through the talented smarts of Kitara Whap-Farrar, who sold her opponent the opposite direction, as she dished off a handball to her running teammate, Jessica Stallard, who ran into an open goal.

Southport had some clutch moments of desperation inside defensive 50, led by Siobhan Ross, who hunted down a certain scoring shot opportunity to lay a desperate tackle causing a turnover.

A bit of misfortune for the Hornets backline saw some good defensive spoils fall the way of the Sharks forwards, as Rianna Schipp took full advantage, adding another goal to the growing lead.

Ill discipline in a span of two minutes cost the Hornets two fifty-metre penalties, with both leading to scoring shots, one goal, and one behind. There was a glimmer of hope with seconds left in the second quarter, as Holly O’Flaherty had a shot for goal outside a stoppage, which sailed left, making the second-half task quite difficult down 40-9.

THIRD QUARTER

With all the work to do in the second half, the Hornets were still up for the battle, but neither team was able to generate productive inside 50 entries. The Hornets were the first to generate some scoring shots, building up nice chains of play up the ground through Lucia Liessi, who was able to hit up Stallard inside 50, who hit the post from her set shot.

The moment of the day was strongly in favour of the Sharks, as every teammate came running to celebrate Madeleine Watt‘s goal, stealing the ball outside 50 and bursting through to lace it out from 30 metres.

In a defensive effort similar to Ross’s, it was the Hornets turn this quarter as Emma McNaughton chased down Brown inside forward 50 to win a holding the ball free kick, however, she wasn’t able to convert the set shot.

Louise Tyson was super effective with her run all day, and stood up in the third quarter starting a chain through the corridor, which ended up in the hands of Stallard, who cruised into goal for her second of the day, and the Hornets second.

Liessi was once again at the fore with her rebounding capability, stopping the Sharks from exiting defensive 50, and setting up Stallard to win a one-on-three contest in the goalsquare, which made it three for her and the Hornets.

FOURTH QUARTER

The margin sat at 23 points heading into the final term, but the Sharks were able to hold their ground well, absorbing late pressure from the Hornets to make most contests a scrap.

Neither side was able to punish with the ball-in-hand, and the Sharks had a few early chances go begging.

The Hornets found a way into it midway through the final term, as Tyson continued to provide her spark through tackle pressure outside forward 50, nearly resulting in a goal off the boot of Liessi.

Abbie Pluples followed up on her missed kick in transition, allowing Lappin to put the icing on the cake through a chip kick over the top to Gregory all alone in the goalsquare.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Bond University got the job done against Coorparoo, winning 22 points at Giffin Park. Highly touted draft prospect Havana Harris led the Bullsharks with 23 disposals and two goals in a dominant performance.

Mia Salisbury was also productive with 24 disposals and seven clearances. Lucy Schneider led the way for the Kings with 27 disposals, a productive day in the middle, with eight contested possessions attributed to her game.

Maroochydore turned it on in the second quarter against Yeronga-South Brisbane, kicking away to come home with a 51-point win away from home at Leyshon Park.

Ellen Hopkins led the way for the Roos with four goals in a dominant display, whilst Kaiya Hildes was strong with 19 disposals. Farradai Hopkins impressed with 26 disposals and two goals for the Devils, whilst Chelsea Winn finished with 32 disposals and three clearances.

The University of QLD kept a comfortable lead throughout the match to defeat Wilston Grange by 29 points at Hickey Park.

Laura Roy was prominent for the Lions with 24 disposals and four clearances, alongside Jane Childes who finished with 22 disposals. Livewire Zimra Hussain finished with 25 disposals and four clearances for the Gorillas.