Bond University Round 5 QWAFL Preview:
Match of the round:
Saturday 4:45pm – University of Queensland Vs. Wilston Grange (UQ Oval 9 – St Lucia)
It’s a tale of two opposites with these sides right now. Wilston Grange are coming off back-to-back wins and are climbing their way up the ladder, where UQ have succumbed to their second loss in a row and are sliding down it.
The Gorillas have been building into their season nicely, but will be without their best from last week, Kate Lutkins, who will be unavailable for the next few weeks due to her Army playing commitments.
Townsville-based Lions reserves player Delma Gisu will be joining the team this week, alongside the returning Indi Collings and Steph Walker.
UQ will be backing their big guns in for a more consistent effort in the centre of the ground. The Red Lions will have some more midfield depth this round with Claudia Wharton and Marley Beaven back in the side to give more stability. Meanwhile Brooke Alexander comes in for her first game to line up in UQ’s forward.
Alexander is a Gladstone Mudcrabs product from the AFL Capricornia Women’s League and brings valuable experience to this UQ outfit.
I’m backing UQ to win it in the midfield and end their form slump by taking home the four points.
Bluebirds rebuild the nest:
After a disappointing display against Wilston Grange last week, reigning premiers Coolangatta Tweed will be relying on their proven performers to help reverse their fortunes and get back in the winners’ books.
The under-strength Bluebirds were missing a range of their youth and academy girls against the Gorillas, while also being hit by multiple injuries. But with that game behind them Coolangatta have gone back to basics at training and will be coming back with a vengeance.
They’ll have an opportunity to regain top spot on the ladder with a win over newcomers Maroochydore. The Roos had a big confidence-boosting win over Zillmere on the weekend and were the beneficiaries of some Jemma Abbott magic as the state representative player booted six goals in her first game of the season.
It’ll be a tougher day for her this week though, coming up against a hardened Bluebirds defence led by Leah Kaslar. This game should give us a real indication of where Maroochydore are at as a team.
Return of the Kings:
With a week off to regroup after their heavy defeat to Yeronga, Coorparoo will be hungry to get another win under their belt. They have some big names coming in to the side this round with Lions Ally Anderson and Kate Deegan making their QWAFL comeback. However they will be missing the services of Lions skipper Emma Zielke who will be rested.
This gives an opportunity to Coorparoo youth player and Queensland U18 representative player Tahlia Hickie who will make her senior debut. Hickie, listed at 188cm, will give the Kings a target to kick to up forward and may also be given some ruck duties on the day.
Round 5 Matches:
Saturay May 6
4:45pm – Maroochydore Vs. Coolangatta Tweed
Venue: Maroochydore Multisports Complex – Oval 1
4:45pm – University of Queensland Vs. Wilston Grange
Venue: UQ – Oval 9 St Lucia
6:30pm – Coorparoo Vs. Zillmere
Venue: Coorparoo – Giffin Park (Oval 2)
BYE: Yeronga South Brisbane
