A headline clash between UQ and Zillmere, Coolangatta host Wilston Grange and Coorparoo take on Yeronga.
Match of the Round:
UQ v Zillmere
Five points separated these sides at the last encounter, with UQ lucky to come away with the win.
This week is a chance for the Eagles to overcome the ‘close, but not close enough’ curse that has riddled their season.
It’s been a big week already for Tayla Harris, who was named alongside WA’s Sabrina Frederick-Taub as a marquee player for the new Brisbane Lions Women’s Team.
If she can repeat last week’s six goal haul the Eagles will be in with a fighting chance.
Four wins on the trot says UQ are hot. With their ticket to the finals book, it’s time to consolidate and refine.
Alanna Perry and Emma Pittman were influential last time, and will want to replicate that effort this round.
Where & When:
Field 9, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday July 30
Last time they met:
Round 11, 2016- UQ defeated Zillmere by 5 points
2016 form:
UQ (8/11 Wins) Zillmere (5/11 Wins)
Key match up:
Dania Herdman (UQ) v Tayla Harris (Zillmere)
No one would have ever picked this matchup, but it was a battle for the ages the last time these met.
On a wet day, Harris’ kicked a few goals despite her overhead ability being hampered and Herdman tackling hard.
The forecast for Saturday is sunny and warm, so it’s the perfect conditions for Harris to take her trademark grabs.
Can Herdman shut her down despite the height difference?
Prediction: UQ by 3 points
Coolangatta v Wilston Grange
For the first time this year, two sides play each other over consecutive weeks (due to the round six washout). Coolangatta stepped out last week on a mission, one that involved giving themselves the best opportunity to finish top of the ladder. It was a heavy score line, with Cooly showing complete composure and clean ball movement throughout the match to win by almost 80 points.
Wilston Grange started brilliantly and if they can implement that style of play for four full quarters they will do themselves proud.
It will be interesting to see how this game plays out. Can Cooly come out and perform like last week? Or have Wilston Grange changed the tactics and figured out Cooly’s main point of attack?
Where & When:
Robina
@ 2:30pm, Saturday July 30
Last time they met:
Round 13, 2016 – Coolangatta defeated Wilston Grange by 78 points
2016 Form:
Coolangatta (9/11 Wins) Wilston Grange (1/11 Wins)
Key match up:
Arianna Clarke (Coolangatta) v Tahlia Randall (Wilston Grange)
They are Queensland Under 18 representative teammates; both fierce competitors who play critical roles for their teams.
Tahlia is a magician in the air and has a penetrating kick. Arianna performs best on the ground, collecting the contested ball with that bit of X-factor.
Prediction: Coolangatta by 15 points.
Coorparoo v Yeronga
Last time these two met, the margin was in no way a correct reflection of the game tempo. It was a hard-hitting, fast and intense contest, with Yeronga managing to make the most of their forward opportunities to win by 41-points
In recent weeks, Coorparoo has been brilliant. Their tackling pressure has been mind-blowing and their contested footy has been tough, but well earned. Yeronga are peaking just at the right time of the season, so it’s hard to see them letting this one slip through their hands.
Courteney Bromage was on fire for Yeronga, and Sally Young was relentless for Coorparoo.
The Navy Roos will definitely challenge the Devils, but it depends on how much. If they put up the performance they did last time, we might just have an upset on the cards.
Where & When:
Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 6:30pm, Saturday July 30
Last time they met:
Round 10, 2016- Yeronga defeated Coorparoo by 41 points
2016 Form:
Coorparoo (1/11 Wins) Yeronga (9/11 Wins)
Key match up:
Rachel Crack (Coorparoo) v Sam Virgo (Yeronga)
If you had to name the toughest competitor in the QWAFL, these two would right in the mix.
Rachel Crack was the most influential player for her side last time these two met. Virgo just works week in week out, and never manages to walk off the field, without a cut, bruise or injury.
They both are contested ball magnets and play important leadership roles.
Prediction:
Yeronga by 14 points.
By Jess Stewart
