By Ant Wingard
Bond University v Coolangatta Tweed
July 14, 9:45am
Bond University
A run of four straight losses has seen Bond University drop to fifth place in the QWAFL standings and out of the top four for the first time since Round 2. The Bullsharks have performed admirably in their first season at this level but their past month hasn’t been idea, especially given finals are still a genuine possibility for the team.
Bullsharks head coach David Ashkar is adamant finals is not on the team’s mind at the minute, yet that doesn’t mean the side aren’t desperate for their first win in six weeks and their first goal in three. With the Winter Series and NAB AFLW Under-18 National Championships in full swing, the Bullsharks’ playing stocks have been hit hard, but it will be up to their remaining core to hold the fort.
Having beaten Bond University a fortnight ago, Coolangatta will fancy their chances again in this contest, especially given their recent form. The Bluebirds have won three of their last four games and in their only loss, last week against the Gorillas, the side managed to keep the QWAFL benchmark goalless in the third term.
A win over Bond University this weekend would all but ensure Coolangatta’s place in the finals this season as the top three appear settled. A loss could potentially spell an end to Bond University’s finals hopes.
Coorparoo v Yeronga South Brisbane
July 14, 4:45pm
Giffin Park
Coorparoo cruised to a crushing 109-point victory over Bond University last weekend and enter their matchup with Yeronga in sublime form with a run of four victories in the QWAFL. Against the Bullsharks, the Kings changed things up and operated most of their AFL Women’s contingent through their forward line rather than their usual post in midfield.
Now, with the AFLW players out of action through the Winter Series, the Kings find themselves in a beneficial situation with their midfield already settled despite the absence of their usual crew. The Kings have potentially been hit harder than most others through the various representative games this week, including the loss of Jenae Govan to the Gold Coast SUNS Winter Series team
Amy Duxfield, Kristen Tyquin and Renee Keith have all been called up from Coorparoo’s table-topping QWFA Division 1 to cover Corparoo’s omissions. The trio have been in sublime form in the lower division and have been named in the Kings’ bests almost every week.
A win in the matchup perhaps means far more for Yeronga who climbed up to fourth spot on the ladder following their win over Maroochydore last week. Now, after idling for most of the 2018 Bond University QWAFL season, now find themselves well in the finals conversation and have a leg up on both the Bullsharks and Red Lions in the race for fourth place.
Wilston Grange v University of Queensland
July 14, 4:45pm
Bendigo Bank Oval
Fixturing hasn’t aided the University of Queensland in their quest for their first finals birth since 2016. The Red Lions trail the Devils and Bullsharks by just one win and despite scoring over 100 more points than either side this season, could be knocked out of finals contention with a loss this weekend.
Unfortunately for the Red Lions, their opposition are weeks away from creating QWAFL history as their win streak, currently at 11 games, continues. A loss to Coorparoo a fortnight ago was the Red Lions’ biggest game of the season and the side couldn’t get over the line and a bye last week, coupled with the matchup with the unbeaten Gorillas during a Winter Series week doesn’t favour UQ.
Given their position as the top of the league standings, Wilston Grange can be afforded the luxury of resting players should they feel the need to do so as we approach finals. While it’s unlikely a tactic the Gorillas will employ this weekend against the Red Lions, the possibility for them to rest senior bodies increases with every win.
