IT WAS a weekend of big wins and a couple of tight ones across the Northern States, with UNSW-ES Bulldogs putting on a 92-point demolition in AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division Round 4 and Southport reminding the QAFLW what it is capable of after last week’s rare loss to Morningside. The QAFL Women’s Round 3 produced a handful of close contests alongside a couple of blowouts, while North Shore Bombers returned to winning ways with authority.

QUEENSLAND:

QAFL Women’s: Round 3

Maroochydore held off Moreton Bay 4.6 (30) to 2.1 (13) at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex in what proved a grinding defensive contest after the opening term. The Roos managed just four behinds after quarter time but still had enough to get the job done, with Abbey Rankin kicking two goals and Phoebe Tuck and Gabi Simpson named amongst the best. Jessica Davy was named best on ground for the Lions in a losing effort.

Southport made an emphatic statement after last week’s heartbreaking loss to Morningside, running over University of Queensland 11.9 (75) to 1.3 (9) at The University of Queensland. Tayla Christensen was the destroyer with five goals and was named amongst the best alongside Steph O’Brien who booted two, while Ella Maurer was named best on ground for the Sharks. Luka Yoshida-Martin was the pick of the Red Lionesses in a tough afternoon for the home side.

Coorparoo continued its unbeaten start with a 4.2 (26) to 1.4 (10) win over Bond University at Bond University. Ex-AFLW forward Sarah Perkins was the difference maker with three goals, impressing alongside Georgia Wyett in the victory. Kendra Blattman kicked Bond Uni’s sole goal, while Maisy Evans was named their best.

Aspley ran over Broadbeach 6.6 (42) to 0.1 (1) at Kombumerri Park, with the Cats keeping their opponents goalless in a dominant defensive display. Jessica Stallard was the only multiple goalkicker with two majors, while ex-AFLW midfielder Ella Smith and Elizabeth Hill were among the best for the winners. Halle Cunningham was named the Cats’ best in defeat.

A low-scoring contest at Hickey Park saw Wilston Grange hold off Morningside 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11) in a game that was goalless at half-time. Tshinta Kendall kicked both Gorillas goals after the long break and was named amongst the best alongside Keyshia Matenga, while last week’s hero against Southport, Kaitlyn Day, kicked Morningside’s sole major in response. Neva Bell and Simone Arthur featured prominently for the Panthers in the narrow loss.

NEW SOUTH WALES:

AFL Sydney Women’s Premier Division: Round 4

Parramatta Goannas picked up their first win of the season with a 9.11 (65) to 1.0 (6) victory over Pennant Hills Demons at Gipps Road Ovals. Marley Rhodes starred in the win alongside Montana Doubell, with skipper Khobi Devine and Annabelle McHale among the goal scorers. Sophie Pendlebury kicked the Demons’ sole major, while Greta Clatworthy was named her team’s best.

UNSW-ES Bulldogs put on a clinic to run over UTS Bats 16.10 (106) to 2.2 (14) at Trumper Oval, keeping the Bats goalless until the final quarter before a tighter final term. Rebecca Privitelli continued her outstanding form with five goals, Emily Conlan booted four, and Eliza Vale also impressed in another dominant Bulldogs performance. Gemma Casiglia was best on ground for the Bats, while Siena Visentini also caught the eye.

Manly Warringah Wolves were equally impressive, crushing East Coast Eagles 12.18 (90) to 0.1 (1) at Weldon Oval. Bella Clarke led the goalkickers with four and Isabella Rudolph chipped in with two, as Kenya Fahey and Hannah Woolf were sensational across the ground. Imogen Gray and Renee Tomkins tried hard in a difficult afternoon for the Eagles.

North Shore Bombers returned to winning form with a 12.13 (83) to 3.1 (19) victory over St George Dragons at Gore Hill Oval. After a tighter opening term — the Bombers led by only 10 points at the first break — they opened the game up with five goals to one in the second quarter and never looked back. Sophie Kavanagh was the clear best on ground with three goals, while Elizabeth Yates and Adrienne Keeffe kicked a couple each and impressed. Delaney Gwynn hit the scoreboard and was named the Dragons’ best, with skipper Kaitlyn Eisenhuth also battled hard.