Image By Anthony Byron Photography
By Abby Collins
In a highly anticipated clash between two of the QAFL’s top teams, the Morningside Panthers emerged victorious over the Aspley Hornets in a gripping Qualifying Final.
It was a game of opportunities and contests, with both teams showcasing their skills in the sweltering heat.
With a final score of 15.11 (101) to 12.9 (81), the match showcased the intensity and skill of both sides in a game that went down to the wire.
The atmosphere was electric as the game kicked off under the blazing sun. Morningside wasted no time, with Kelly Castle, a key player for the Panthers, hitting the scoreboard first with a goal.
Luca Winton quickly followed it up with a second goal just a minute later.
The Panthers were off to a flying start, and it seemed like they were ready to dominate.
However, the Hornets had other plans.
William O’Dwyer, with the Stackelberg duo setting him up beautifully, found the posts to get Aspley on the board.
Nakia Cockatoo, another standout for Morningside, showcased his skills with a quick response, demonstrating the headaches he would continue to make throughout this game.
The quarter was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging blows.
Aspley’s Ryan Banks-Smith ended the quarter on a high note with a stunning kick, leaving the Panthers just four points ahead at the first break.
The second quarter continued the theme of heavy contested ball action, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every possession.
Joel Leahy kicked off the scoring with a massive goal for Aspley, that had the goal umpire ducking for cover.
Cockatoo was in the zone, nailing two consecutive goals that had the Hornets scrambling to contain him.
Aspley fought back with goals from Thomas Watson and O’Dwyer, who kicked his second with a confident left-footed shot from 45 meters out.
The Hornets were inching closer, and the tension was palpable as the teams traded the lead, staying one point apart for much of the second quarter.
Aspley’s skipper, Brandon Batchelor, managed to take a mark 30 meters out and converted to get the hornets a couple of points closer.
However, Kelly Castle responded with another goal, evening the score at 41 to 42.
The Panthers capitalised on their opportunities, with Kai Purslow pushing Morningside ahead by seven points.
Aspley’s Lleyton Brown quickly answered back, running onto the ball from 60 meters out and nailing a goal from 45.
But Morningside wasn’t done yet, as Cam Lovig scored just before halftime, leaving the score at 7.5 (47) to 8.7 (55) in favour of the Panthers.
The third quarter saw Morningside take complete control, kicking off with a major from Purslow, extending their lead to 14 points.
The Panthers were relentless, scoring five goals to Aspley’s solitary major, making this quarter a real game-changer.
Kelly Castle, Nakia Cockatoo, Darcy Cameron-Reeves, and Jacob Lohmann all contributed to Morningside’s scoring spree, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Aspley struggled to break through the Panthers’ defence, with Garrett McDonagh and Deklan Wille taking crucial marks to deny the Hornets key shots on goal.
The Hornets’ defensive efforts from Liam Dawson, Errin Wasley-Black, Luke Saunders, and skipper Batchelor were commendable, but they were under constant pressure.
The quarter ended with Morningside leading by a comfortable 33 points, leaving Aspley with a mountain to climb.
As the final quarter commenced, Aspley returned to the field with renewed determination despite the sweltering heat.
They kicked four goals to Morningside’s two, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Keegan Downie and Garrett McDonagh opened the scoring for Morningside, but then it turned into the Aspley show.
Ryan Banks-Smith, Nicholas Dodge, Thomas Watson, and Batchelor all found the scoreboard, showcasing their fighting spirit.
Despite their valiant effort, Aspley struggled to close the gap, and the final siren rang out with Morningside winning by 21 points.
The Panthers are the first to secure their spot in the Grand Final, thanks in part to Kelly Castle’s impressive performance.
As for Aspley, they will be looking to bounce back against Redland-Victoria Point for another shot at the Panthers in two weeks’ time in hopes of taking home a third premiership win in a row.
