BOND University Bull Sharks maintained third place on the QAFLW ladder after grinding out a hard-fought 11-point win over Wilston Grange Gorillas in Round 7. The conditions tested both clubs at Bond University Oval, with steady rain shaping a physical, contested game. In the end, the Bull Sharks prevailed 6.5 (41) to 4.6 (30).

Despite their disappointing loss, Wilston Grange had an extremely influential and controlled first term, kicking two goals to Bond’s one. Tshinta Kendall and Kylie Welsh were able to pull off the goals, whereas Bond’s Kendra Blattman put the first score on the board within the second minute. Wilston Grange’s pressure game was particularly noticeable, with Annie Wallace laying a match-high 11 tackles. 

Bond began to take control as conditions worsened. The Bull Sharks adapted well to the slippery ball, moving it clearly through short, controlled marks and handballs into the forward 50. The match provided a series of strong contests which were shown in the final few minutes of the first term such as when Wallace got the ball into Wilston Grange’s forward 50, where Welsh marked and goaled despite fierce defensive pressure. In the second quarter, Bond dominated, achieving three goals in the wet – two of which were from Brianna Moyes who was seen as one of the best players of the game. 

Bond University’s Shannon Nolan dominated in the match, collecting 29 disposals – including 13 contested – and seven tackles. Despite the shocking weather, Nolan was able to remain composed with the ball. The close match made it a nail-biting watch as the two teams desperately fought for the third spot on the ladder. In the final half, the weather was getting difficult to play in so both teams were not on the ball, however forward Blattman was able to kick an additional two goals. 

In the next round, Bond University take on University of Queensland on Saturday, while Wilston Grange will go head-to-head with second placed Morningside in a tough match at Hickey Park. 

BOND UNIVERSITY  1.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 (41) 
WILSTON GRANGE 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.5 | 4.6 (30) 

GOALS:  

Bond University K. Blattman 3, B. Moyes 2, C. Taylor
Wilston Grange T. Kendall 2, U. Brennan, K. Welsh

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Southport smashed Maroochydore at the Roos’ home ground by 58 points, kicking three goals to nil in the final quarter to cement their spot atop the ladder. Maighan Fogas was one of the best players, racking up a whopping 21 disposals, followed by her captain Rianna Schipp who had 18 disposals and kicked two goals. The Sharks lead the game from start to finish and got up, 9.16 (70) to 2.0 (12).

Aspley won in an overpowering game against Moreton Bay at Red Rooster Park on Saturday. Jesse McMillan and Kaitlyn Day both racked up over 30 disposals for Aspley, dominating the game as the Hornets won by 33 points. Thalia Smith got Moreton Bay’s only goal on the board in the third term, and the scores ended 6.4 (40) to 1.1 (7)

Coorparoo proved too good for University of Queensland, kicking five goals to zero across the whole game and landing with a 26-point lead as the final siren blew. Although the Red Lionesses’ defence tried their best, they were no match for Chelsea Chesterfield, who kicked three impeccable goals. Another standout on the day was Chelsea Winn who finished with 24 disposals, 20 of which were contested.

Morningside absolutely dominated against cellar dwellers Yeronga South Brisbane by 130 points, keeping the Devils scoreless for the match. Morningside maintained its second spot on the ladder and kicked a whopping 18 goals throughout the game. Isabelle Levine was named one of the best players for Morningside, which was not surprising given her leather poisoning of 36 disposals, as well as laying six tackles. Alongside her, Simone Arthur was another standout, recording 23 disposals and two goals, finishing off the week with a promising triumph.