By Ant Wingard @AntWingard
Coolangatta v Wilston Grange
Saturday June 7, 4:45PM
Corpsure Oval
The daunting task of trying to usurp the unbeaten Gorillas will be handed to Coolangatta in Round 13 in what is fast becoming a near insummountable challenge for the Bond University QWAFL’s six other clubs. Wilston Grange won again in Round 12, extending their winning streak to ten wins and one game closer to Coorparoo’s QWAFL record.
The Gorillas piled on 95 points over Maroochydore last weekend, including a third quarter in which the team booted six majors in quick succession. They will however, be without a two of their younger brigade – Belle Dawes, Jacqueline Yorston – through their selection in the Queensland Under-18 competition.
Coolangatta enter the David v Goliath battle with rich vein of form after easily accounting for the Bullsharks last weekend; keeping their Gold Coast rival goalless for the entire game. In full scope of the season, the Bluebirds have firmly established themselves within the top four, given they currently find themselves in third place.
But a win over Wilston Grange would simply turn the competition on its head. With Coorparoo just one won away, the Bluebirds will draw closer pending the result of the Kings’ game. More importantly however, a win over the Gorillas would mean Coolangatta have done what no other team has come close to doing this year, propelling the Bluebirds well within the premiership conversation.
Coorparoo v Bond University
Saturday June 7, 4:45PM
Giffin Park Oval
Bond University’s 2018 season could hinge on a competitive showing against the inform Kings this weekend, following their loss to Coolangatta in Round 12.
Given the layout of the current ladder, Bond University find themselves most at risk of falling out of finals contention, with both University of Queensland and Yeronga drawing ever closer to fourth position.
The Bullsharks had their opportunities to solidify themselves within the finals bracket, but last weekend’s 30-point loss to Coolangatta kept the side at risk for the time being.
The Red Lions have a bye this week means a win would extend the gap between fourth and fifth place out to two games, but Coorparoo stand firmly in their way.
The Kings produced a complete four-quarter performance against University of Queensland last weekend and did something Bond University couldn’t – cement their position in the ladder. The win meant Coorparoo kept Coolangatta firmly at arm’s reach and means finals is all but a certainty in 2018.
With just five games remaining on the season, a win would ensure Coorparoo would play finals football in 2018.
Maroochydore v Yeronga South Brisbane
Saturday June 7, 4:45PM
Maroochydore Multisports Complex
The Roos and Devils’ Sunshine Coast showdown has the potential to steal the show as the match of the round. With just one and three wins on the season respectively, the two sides will be more than eager to claim another four points and climb the ladder in the second half of the season.
Yeronga perhaps have more to play for in the contest, given the Devils are still a possibility to qualify for finals in September. As it stands, Yeronga find themselves just one win outside the top four and equal with University of Queensland on three wins.
Given the Red Lions have a bye in Round 13 and the Devils trail Bond University by 10.47 per cent, a big win over the Roos could leapfrog Yeronga back inside the top four and reinvigorate life into their season.
In the last contest between the two sides, it was the Devils who emerged nine-point victors. Maroochydore had every chance to steal the win too, but a late Emily Bates major ensured the Devils enjoyed victory.
Ahead of this weekend’s game, Yeronga will welcome back their AFL Women’s contingent which includes Bates, Jesse Keefe and Jordan Zanchetta.
Photo: @missviewfinder (Instagram)
