And we’re back! The women are refreshed, refocused and ready to go after last weekend’s bye round.
Week five sees a huge matchup between Yeronga and Zillmere and what’s set to be an interesting clash between UQ and Coolangatta.
Wilston Grange and Coorparoo will go head to head, with both sides looking to register their first win of the season.
Match of the Round:
Yeronga v Zillmere Eagles
This one is set to be a cracker. Yeronga are bouncing off a disappointing loss to Coolangatta and will look to rectify their second half drop off from their last match.
Zillmere have found winning form in the last couple of weeks, and another against Yeronga will give them some crucial confidence for the remainder of the season.
This one’s going to be a battle of the key positions. If the likes of Tayla Harris (Zillmere) and Emily Bates (Yeronga) play their best, it could be anyone’s game.
Where & When: Leyshon Park, Yeronga @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 28
Last time they met: Semi Final, 2015 – Yeronga defeated Zillmere by 57 points
2016 form: Yeronga (3/4 Wins) Zillmere (2/4 Wins)
Key match up: Danielle Wall (Yeronga) v Shaleise Law (Zillmere). It’s a battle of the X-Factor’s. Shaleise has the ability to create havoc for any opposing defender with her freakish speed and talented ball use. Danielle Wall can do much the same, but in the defence yet she has the physicality upper hand in this battle.
Coach’s Thoughts: Jacob Simmons-Bliss, Zillmere
“Each week we have been looking to improve on and ensure that we are well prepared to execute our game style which we know is successful for us.”
“We are well prepared to play the match across four quarters under continuous pressure and we back ourselves to deliver the effort required to ensure that we can play the match on our own terms.”
“We need to have physical presence and the ability to deliver extreme pressure towards Yeronga.”
“This will result in our increased ability to execute our game style whilst also negating the opposition and forcing them to play the game on our terms.”
Prediction: Yeronga by 15 points.
Coorparoo v Wilston Grange
We’re tipping this one to come down to the wire.
It’s been a challenging start to the season for both teams. Wilston Grange are a young, developing side who have been working hard to put their structures in place so far this season.
Coorparoo have been trying to find their feet, as new faces continue to mix into the regular side. They showed last week that if they can play consistently for four quarters they are capable of knocking off any team.
The Gorillas will need to impact the scoreboard when they go forward if they are to win this one.
Where & When: Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 28
Last time they met: Round 14, 2015 – Coorparoo defeated Wilston Grange by 30 points
2016 Form: Coorparoo (0/4 Wins) Wilston Grange (0/4 Wins)
Key match up: Cleo Davis (Coorparoo) v Lauretta Dowling (Wilston Grange). Both these girls play important roles for their sides and are strong in both defence and attack. It’s going to be the match up to watch, as both won’t hold back when going for the ball.
Coach’s Thoughts: Marcus McDonald-Camden, Wilston Grange
“We really want to keep our intensity up across all four quarters and look to control the tempo of the game.”
“If we can control our tempo we will be able to really have a good crack and play to our strengths.”
“We know what needs to be done so we don’t need to over complicate things.”
“Coorparoo are definitely looking to prove a point and come out with a win.” “The only plan we will have is to stick to our structures, control the game tempo and make sure we are prepared for what lies ahead.”
Prediction: Coorparoo by 4 points.
University of Queensland v Coolangatta
One word: Fascinating.
Coolangatta have the opportunity to go to five/zip waiting in their laps, but … UQ, are such a formidable and energetic side it could go either way.
Coolangatta have the strongest defence in the competition and are really starting to gel together an intimidating midfield full of talented youngsters.
UQ will need to win the ball out of the middle and create clean forward entries to have the best chance at scoring. Can Cooly become the only team in the competition to have defeated every opponent?
Where & When: Field 9, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday May 28
Last time they met: Round 11, 2015 – Coolangatta defeated UQ by 84 points
Form going in: UQ (3/4 Wins) Coolangatta (4/4 Wins)
Key match up: Megan Hunt (UQ) v Maddie Roberts (Coolangatta). Both are small yet damaging midfielders who have elite speed and read the play superbly. Roberts was brilliant in her side’s recent win over Yeronga, especially around the contests. Hunt has the ability to impact the scoreboard, a key aspect to getting the win for her side.
Coach’s Thoughts: Damien Richards, UQ
“We can’t let the opposition dictate to us the type of football we want to play on Saturday.”
“We need to improve around the contest and switching from offence to defence quicker.”
“We’ve lost Jacqui Bell to a broken wrist and it looks like she’s going to miss the rest of the season which is damaging to our side.”
Aaron Russell, Coolangatta
“We want to continue to work on our forward 50 entries and decision making during Saturday’s match.”
“This week we’ve been focusing on making decisions under pressure and our execution of those decisions.”
“UQ have some efficient ball movers and we will be looking to put the heat on them.”
Prediction: Coolangatta by 25 points.
