Week three sees the undefeated UQ and Yeronga meet in the match of the Round, a battle between Wilston Grange and Zillmere and the 2015 grand final rematch between Coolangatta and Coorparoo.
QWAFL writer, Jess Stewart will be live blogging the Match of the Round via aflq-new.fspdev.com.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
University of Queensland v Yeronga
Field 9 UQ, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 7
Yeronga midfielder and 2015 QWAFL Best and Fairest winner, Jordan Zanchetta did her ACL during last week’s match and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. That’s massive a blow for the Devils, who are early flag favourites.
UQ may have picked up the win last week but their second half performance was flat – something they can’t afford to repeat against a red-hot Yeronga outfit.
On the table this week is a four-point buffer between the two and a strong psychological advantage.
Can UQ prove they are serious premiership contenders or will Yeronga retain the mantle as the team to beat?
Last time they met: Round 16, 2015 – Yeronga defeated UQ by 43 points
2016 form: Yeronga (two wins from two) UQ (two wins from two)
Key matchup: Emily Bates (Yeronga) v Emma Zielke (UQ) is a matchup for the ages. Friends off the field, these two won’t hold back when they meet in the centre circle. Both have penetrating kicks and superb athleticism. Bates plays an important defensive-attacking role and is pivotal when Yeronga is defending. Zielke’s trademark composure is key in UQ’s attack.
Coach’s Thoughts: Damien Richards, UQ
“Last week we played the way we wanted to play for the second quarter, but not the entire game- so we need to build consistency.”
“We’ve been working on the things that broke down against Zillmere- better linkage in play and our forward/midfield structures.”
“Against a class-act like Yeronga, if we’re not on from the first quarter, we’re going to find ourselves in a hole by quarter time.”
“It’s important that we start the game the way that we want to and that we aren’t sitting there are quarter time three or four goals down.”
Scott Stephens, Yeronga
“I had a chat to the girls, and we play this sport taking the risk that we could get injured.”
“She wouldn’t want us to feel down or sad about the injury”
“So we’re going to rally around Jordy and help her see the light at the end of the tunnel- go out there and play even better footy for her.”
“We’re confident we have a great game plan, so we’ll just stick to the process and keep working at our structures and save the best for August.”
Prediction: Yeronga by 13 points.
Coorparoo v Coolangatta Tweed
Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 7
It may be the 2015 grand final rematch in name, but both lineups are significantly different to those we saw in September.
Coorparoo battled hard last week, but just couldn’t impact the scoreboard; something that has to change.
Coolangatta were superb and displayed quite possibly the best defensive outfit in the competition through their press and ability to generate turnovers.
The Bluebirds go in to this as a hot favourite, but the Navy Roos are desperate for a win and will throw everything at the 2015 premiership runner-up.
Last time they met: Grand Final, 2015 – Coorparoo defeated Coolangatta by 42 points
2016 Form: Coorparoo (Nil from two) Coolangatta (two from two)
Key matchup: Sally Young (Coorparoo) v Hannah Sexton (Coolangatta). It’s an important week for both girls. Hannah will line up against her old side, and will look to back up her best on ground performance from last week. She has the ability to run riot on the wing and also impact the scoreboard. Sally plays an important role not just when attacking the ball, but by leading her team. She works hard to find the ball and is a pressure machine.
Prediction: Coolangatta by 25 points
Zillmere Eagles v Wilston Grange
Where & When: O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 7
It’s going to be a close one on the north side.
Wilston Grange’s defensive effort was fantastic in the second half of last week, and they will be looking to continue to develop their structures.
Zillmere started well last week, but lacked focus in the second quarter, which was where the game slipped away from them.
One team will walk away with their first win of the season, a pretty hefty incentive.
Last time they met: Round 19, 2015 – Zillmere defeated Wilston grange by 48 points
2016 form: Zillmere (No Win) Wilston Grange (No Win)
Key matchup: Courtney Daniec (Wilston Grange) v Ally Anderson (Zillmere).Each teams’ go-to midfielder will line up against each other, with both girls being key players. Daniec was influential in defense last week, finding plenty of the ball, but she will want to work on finding consistent targets on Saturday. Ally Anderson always attracts opposition attention because of her physicality and ability to work the packs.
Coach’s Thoughts: Jacob Simmons-Bliss, Zillmere
“This week we’ve been making sure that we’re in a good position to execute our style of footy for four quarters.”
“The evidence we’ve had so far is that our brand of footy is quality but we aren’t showing it throughout the entire match.”
“We’ve really made sure that players are accountable, dedicated and committed to delivering the style of footy that we’re after because we can be successful.”
“Last week was a lesson that we were really happen to learn because we are now mentally aware that we can’t be dropping off as that’s what loses you the game.”
Prediction: Zillmere by 21 points
