Match of the Round:
Zillmere Eagles v Coolangatta
For the second time this season, the battle of the birds is set to distinguish just which side means business as we get to the pointy end of the season.
Only 12 points separated these two in Round 1, but it’s been a long time between drinks and both sides have changed so much since that day.
Coolangatta will be looking to rectify last week’s agonizing, 2-point loss to UQ, so expect them to come out with full force.
Zillmere is coming off a huge shock to the system; they just got over the line by 5-points against Coorparoo last week. They will need to tidy up their foot skills in front of the goals; 3.9 just won’t cut it against the Bluebirds.
Where & When: O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere @ 4:45pm, Saturday July 9
Last time they met: Round 1, 2016- Coolangatta defeated Zillmere by 12 points
2016 form: Zillmere (5/8 Wins) Coolangatta (6/8 Wins)
Prediction: Coolangatta by 12 points.
University of Queensland v Wilston Grange
They’re coming… Wilston Grange are coming!
It’s been an impressive four weeks from the Gorillas. They stuck with Yeronga for three quarters last week before the Devils finished them off with a four goal to nil fourth term. It was a terrific, confidence-building effort that sees them primed to take a scalp.
UQ are coming off their best win of the season; a 2-point win over the reigning premiers marking them as a real finals chance. Energy and belief will be up, and deservedly so.
But, only 15 points separated the two last time; and if the Wilston Grange big names in Randall, Daniec and Cubis play to their best and they can contain UQ’s prime ball movers it’s going to be a ripping game.
Where & When: Field 9, St Lucia @ 9:30am, Saturday July 9
Last time they met: Round 7, 2016 – UQ defeated Wilston Grange by 15 points.
2016 Form: UQ (5/8 Wins) Wilston Grange (1/8 Wins)
Prediction: UQ by 10 points.
Yeronga v Coorparoo
Based on form and ladder positions, this looks like it could be a field day at Leyshon Park for Yeronga.
But Coorparoo have found another gear recently, a gear that puts them right up there for this game. Last week was their best performance of the year, with a kick the difference in a thriller against the Eagles.
It’s no easy task taking on the ladder leaders when you haven’t experienced a win for the season. But, with Coorparoo coming as close as they did last week, there’s a real possibility of a massive upset.
For Yeronga, another week, another win and they can stretch just that little bit further away from the rest of the competition.
Where & When: Leyshon Park, Yeronga @ 4:45pm, Saturday July 9
Last time they met: Round 2, 2016- Yeronga defeated Coorparoo by 105 points
Form going in: Yeronga (7/8 Wins) Coorparoo (0/8 Wins)
Prediction: Yeronga by 20 points.
By Jess Stewart
