Match of the round:
4:45pm – Yeronga South Brisbane Vs. University of Queensland (Leyshon Park, Yeronga)
After dismantling Coorparoo last weekend in their first hit-out for 2017, Yeronga come into this match full of confidence. The club will be happy with gun recruit Sabrina Frederick-Traub’s output from her first game, and will most likely rely on her in the full forward role again this week.
With UQ missing Cambridge McCormick, one of their FIFO players well-suited to playing on key forwards, coach Phil Lovett has a tough call to make on who gets that particular job this week.
One option is to play the returning Sharni Webb in a lock-down role on Frederick-Traub, but it would come at the expense of her valuable ruck work.
Another interesting battle will be in the middle between Yeronga’s Emily Bates and UQ’s Megan Hunt. Both were damaging last weekend and will have even more motivation this round when they go head to head for the first time since playing for the Lions.
Yeronga are looking the team to beat this year, and although UQ are pushing their credentials for finals footy, Yeronga’s marquee players should see them get the win this one.
Second wave of Lions hit the paddock:
Following the host of Brisbane Lions who made their return to QWAFL footy last weekend, round four will see another five AFLW-listed players re-join their sides.
Consistent defender Sam Virgo will lace the boots up for Yeronga this round, and will come up against Sharni Webb and Breanna Koenen – who has overcome an ankle injury to be named for UQ.
Shannon Campbell makes her long-awaited return to Maroochydore after playing QWAFL footy for Grange last year, with the Roos now able to get some consistent footy in their legs after playing just the one game in four weeks.
Wilston Grange gain the services of utility Kate Lutkins who starred in the Australian Defence Force v Vic Talent ANZAC clash on Sunday, collecting the best on ground medal.
Youth boost:
With the 2017 Northern Academy Series wrapping up in Coffs Harbour on the weekend, every club will be keen to welcome back their exciting young prospects for round four.
Coolangatta will have the most joy with seven players coming back into the side, including Northern Rivers product Ruby Edmeades, who will be one to watch in her first game of the season for the Bluebirds.
UQ gain some more depth, with Queensland U18 squad members Gabby Collingwood, Alanna Perry and Jessi Henning back for the clash with Yeronga, who will have Courtney Bromage available.
Maroochydore will also get a substantial youth injection with the dangerous Jemma Abbott returning, alongside Tiffany Dale and Shania Jones.
Zillmere and Grange have just the one inclusion each with Sophie Conway and Jacqui Yorston re-joining their respective sides.
Round 4 Matches:
4:45pm, Saturday April 29
Wilston Grange Vs. Coolangatta Tweed
Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange
Yeronga South Brisbane Vs. University of Queensland
Leyshon Park, Yeronga
Zillmere Vs. Maroochydore
O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere
BYE: Coorparoo
By Josh Cheadle
Twitter: JoshChealde20
