Match of the round:
Coorparoo Vs. Coolangatta Tweed
Saturday 3:30pm, Giffin Park, Coorparoo
After a big win over Maroochydore last week, Coorparoo face the challenge of reigning premiers, Coolangatta. The Bluebirds suffered a big blow last week when they lost co-captain Alex Hamlyn to a broken leg. Leah Kaslar will take over the captaincy in a full this weekend and they get back some of their Under 18 Representatives. Question is, who will they play the crucial centre half-forward role in Hamlyn’s absence?
The Kings will field a very strong side this week, buoyed by both experienced Lions players and returning Under 18 Queensland players. Britt Gibson will play her first game for the club since signing on at the start of the season ,while young Lions train-on squad member Jesse Taylor flies down from Cairns to play for the first time since breaking her hand four weeks ago. The inclusions will bolster the Kings line-up for the important clash as they test themselves against one of the best sides in the competition. I’m backing Coolangatta to return to form this week with a win, but wouldn’t be surprised if Coorparoo managed an upset in this one.
Lions on the prowl:
For the first time this season, all five of Coorparoo’s Brisbane Lions representatives will take to the field. Emma Zielke, Jessica Wuetschner, Kate Deegan, Ally Anderson and Britt Gibson have all been on Coorparoo’s list, but haven’t managed a game as a group. Zielke and Anderson will likely combine in the midfield, while Wuetschner can cycle through the engine room and the forward line on the day. Deegan and Gibson should form a strong partnership down back for the Kings to provide the team with some experience when working the ball out of defence. They will come up against former Lions teammates Leah Kaslar and Nikki Wallace from Coolangatta.
UQ’s toughest challenge yet:
They’ve worked their way to the top of the QWAFL ladder, but UQ are about to face their toughest task yet. The Red Lions come up against undefeated Yeronga this week, who can claim top spot with another win. UQ should be full of confidence after a resounding win over Zillmere last round, with Emma Pittman and Alana McNabb the standouts. Marnie McGorm also kicked three goals in her return from injury and will need to be prolific again if the Red Lions are to get the four points over the rollicking Devils. After being rested last week, Emily Bates and Kate McCarthy will be raring to go for Yeronga, while Sam Virgo may also return after a weekend serving as assistant coach for the Queensland Under 18 Women’s team.
Round 8 Matches:
Saturday May 27
3:00pm – Yeronga South Brisbane Vs. University of Queensland
Venue: Yeronga – Leyshon Park
3:30pm – Coorparoo Vs. Coolangatta Tweed
Venue: Coorparoo – Giffin Park
4:45pm – Wilston Grange Vs. Zillmere
Venue: Wilston Grange – Bendigo Bank Oval
BYE: Maroochydore
By Josh Cheadle
Twitter: @JoshCheadle20
