A top-of-the-table clash between Yeronga and Coolangatta headlines a huge double header at Bendigo Bank Oval. Wilston Grange host Coorparoo, while over at St Lucia, UQ and Zillmere face-off in a battle for ladder position.
Match of the Round
Yeronga v Coolangatta
This will be the third and final time the two sides meet before the finals and it’s going to be full of passion and spirit.
Coolangatta held the upper hand in game one, defeating Yeronga quite convincingly. Kalinda Howarth was damaging up forward, Arianna Clarke and Ruby Blair were firing in the middle under Selina Goodman’s lethal ruck tap.
But Yeronga bit back in game two, stealing the top spot on the ladder after clinching a two-point victory.
Coolangatta will want to control the contests and the inside ball, while Yeronga thrive when they are running and on the move.
It’s a game where every player needs to impact the game in some way to get their team over the line.
Where & When: Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange @ 4:00pm, Saturday July 16
Last time they met: Round 7, 2016- Yeronga defeated Coolangatta by 2 points
2016 form: Yeronga (8/9 Wins) Coolangatta (7/9 Wins)
Key match up:
Courteney Bromage (Yeronga) v Arianna Clarke (Coolangatta). This matchup has us jumping off our seats. Both have serious talent and athletic ability, making them extremely dangerous for the opposition.
Arianna has an X-Factor that makes her threatening at stoppages while Courteney is most damaging when she’s got the ball in hand and can run.
Prediction: Draw.
Wilston Grange v Coorparoo
This is Coorparoo’s biggest week so far this season. Their transformation from round one has been colossal. So big, that for the first time all year they go into a game as favourites. Wilston Grange has also been playing some impressive footy of late and shouldn’t be counted out. But, Coorparoo displayed their full potential last week when they showed the ladder leaders relentless pressure and fight.
To win this game, Coorparoo need to tidy up their forward entries and make the hard work count when close to the goal
. Wilston Grange will look to use the open space and carry the ball to give themselves the best chance at scoring.
Where & When: Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange @ 2:00pm, Saturday July 16
Last time they met: Round 5, 2016 – Wilston Grange defeated Coorparoo by 21 points
2016 Form: Wilston Grange (1/9 Wins) Coorparoo (0/9 Wins)
Key match up: Kate Lutkins (Wilston Grange) v Rachel Crack (Coorparoo). She’s been playing all over the ground and has been Coorparoo’s most influential player, but Rachel Crack is going to have a big task on her hands on Saturday. At some point she will play on Lutkins, who has been a workhorse in the forward 50, making an impact on the scoreboard for her side. Crack is tough and committed, but will need to play at her best to help her side get their first win of the season on Saturday.
Coach’s Thoughts Prediction: Coorparoo by 6 points.
University of Queensland v Zillmere
The result of this game will have a massive impact on where these two sides sit on the ladder come Saturday night. It’s simple: Zillmere win, they move into third spot based on percentage and come one step closer to the top. UQ win, and they hold out an eight-point lead over Zillmere and will be only one match behind the top two. It’s games like these that really contribute to how they finals will play out come September.
UQ has maintained consistency over the weeks and will want to get any last minute structures in place before finals. Zillmere has had some challenging weeks and need to find a way to remain damaging for the duration of the season.
Where & When: Field 9, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday July 16
Last time they met: Round 2, 2016- UQ defeated Zillmere by 12 points
2016 Form: UQ (6/9 Wins) Zillmere (5/9 Wins)
Key match up: Daryl Jensen (UQ) v Tayla Harris (Zillmere.) This one is going to be a very interesting match up. Jensen has really made a name for herself this year, especially with Zielke and Koenen’s boot on the opposite end of a forward kick.
Tayla continues to impress week in week out, and will be looking to develop some good form towards the back end of the season in the lead up to the start of the National Women’s competition in February.
Jensen is brilliant at taking the low, stabbing grabs, while Tayla excels when the ball is overhead.
Prediction: UQ by 8 points.
By Jess Stewart
