SOUTHPORT has produced a stunning reversal of fortune against Morningside, overcoming the Panthers by 55 points at Jack Esplen Oval in the match of the round to cement third place on the QAFLW ladder – a result that could scarcely have been more different to the two sides’ first encounter earlier this season.

QAFL Women’s: Round 7

The headline result of the round belonged to the Sharks, who made a statement at Jack Esplen Oval with an 11.9 (75) to 3.2 (20) demolition of Morningside. The turnaround from Round 2 – when the Panthers edged Southport by a single point, 3.3 (21) to 2.8 (20) – was emphatic, and the Sharks will be well satisfied with both the performance and the margin.

Over-age talent Sienna Burnham was the standout performer across both teams, producing a dominant midfield display with 21 disposals, 10 clearances, 12 tackles and five inside 50s to drive Southport forward throughout. Ella Maurer complemented her well, gathering 26 disposals and six clearances, while Steph O’Brien was tireless with 23 disposals, five clearances, six tackles and three inside 50s. Tayla Christensen and Scarlett Featherstone were the damage-doers in attack, booting four and three goals respectively to put the game beyond any doubt.

For Morningside, Laura Roy was magnificent in a losing cause, finishing with 28 disposals, nine clearances, 13 tackles and six inside 50s – a performance that deserved far better – while Isabella Levine (23 disposals, eight clearances, eight tackles) and Indiana Williams (15 disposals, four marks, four tackles) also worked hard without reward.

Aspley produced the round’s biggest win, accounting for Maroochydore 13.7 (85) to 1.5 (11) by 74 points to move back into finals contention. Jessica Stallard was devastating in attack, booting six goals from 13 disposals and five marks, while Ella Smith was dominant across the ground with 28 disposals, seven clearances, three tackles and six inside 50s.

Isabella McDonough (20 disposals, five clearances, eight tackles) was a force in the engine room and Eva Downie (21 disposals, four marks, two goals) was an important contributor. For the Roos, Anita Ovenden (20 disposals, three marks, 10 tackles) and Pippen Russell (19 disposals, three marks, six inside 50s) gave their best in a difficult afternoon.

University of Queensland continued their surge up the ladder with a ruthless 10.19 (79) to 1.2 (8) victory over bottom-placed Moreton Bay. Eve Sartor was sensational in the midfield, finishing with 32 disposals, 13 clearances, six inside 50s and a goal, while Luka Yoshida-Martin backed her up with 29 disposals, four clearances and four inside 50s.

Edie McCabe booted three goals from 15 disposals and nine tackles, and Elka Barnett (20 disposals, six tackles) added two more. For Moreton Bay, Jessica Davy was outstanding in a losing cause with 30 disposals, seven clearances, 13 tackles and six inside 50s – one of the more impressive individual performances of the round – while Arden Quilliam (25 disposals, four spoils) was also solid.

Coorparoo kept its grip on second spot with a hard-fought 6.6 (42) to 5.2 (32) win over Broadbeach in what was the tightest contest of the round. Jacinta Baldwick was once again the Kings’ best with 29 disposals, eight clearances, three tackles and four inside 50s, while Grace Roberts-White (28 disposals, nine clearances, nine tackles) and Chelsea Winn (27 disposals, seven tackles, five inside 50s) were tireless contributors.

For Broadbeach, Jasmine Single (24 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles) continued her impressive season and Riley Perrett (21 disposals, three clearances) was also prominent in a narrow defeat.

Bond University maintained top spot with a comfortable 4.5 (29) to 1.3 (9) win over Wilston Grange. Grace Moodie led the way for the Bull Sharks with 14 disposals, six tackles and four inside 50s, and Kendra Blattman was the key forward presence with two goals.

For the Gorillas, Layla Collins was the hardest worker on the ground with 17 disposals and 14 tackles, while Keleejay Bingham (16 disposals, four clearances) was also prominent.