Round 8 results:
Yeronga 8.5 (53) def. University of Queensland 3.7 (25)
Coorparoo 5.14 (44) def. Coolangatta Tweed 4.8 (32)
Wilston Grange 20.13 (133) def. Zillmere Eagles 0.0 (0)
BYE: Maroochydore
Kings knock off Bluebirds:
Coorparoo has registered its second straight win, stunning Coolangatta in a 12-point upset win at Giffin Park. The Kings would have been quietly confident going into the match, knowing Coolangatta were under-strength and having some big name inclusions themselves, but couldn’t underestimate the determination the Bluebirds bring into every contest.
It was a cracking game with the momentum swinging both ways for the entire duration, but it was ultimately the Kings’ composure and ability to play the game on their terms which got them over the line. They managed to keep Coolangatta goalless in the final quarter after the reigning premiers clawed their way back into the game with a smoking third quarter. The class of Ally Anderson, Emma Zielke, Britt Gibson and Kate Deegan shone through on the day and was a big factor in the Kings getting the result.
UQ tactics uncover Devils’ weakness
Have UQ found the way to tame the mighty Yeronga Devils? After being thrashed to the tune of 98 points back in round four, the Red Lions played a much-improved style of footy on Saturday to give the Devils a wake-up call. Despite going down by 28 points in the end, UQ were able to keep Yeronga scoreless in the first quarter, but would have rued missing some golden opportunities in the opening five minutes to open up a bigger lead.
The shell-shocked Devils hit back in the second quarter to put four goals on the board, but UQ’s plan of dropping numbers back behind the ball and drawing Yeronga’s players out of position exposed a potential chink in the armour of the undefeated ladder-leaders. It forced the Devils to play reactive footy, rather than the trademark proactive footy which has made them so dangerous to date. UQ’s Marley Bevan was also commended for her role on the dangerous Kate McCarthy, curtailing the swift winger’s influence with her own speed to match. While at the end of the day Yeronga will be pleased to get the win and remain undefeated, there are definitely things to address.
Gorilla recruits’ perfect audition:
With Wilston Grange resting some of their big names against Zillmere, it gave coach Laura Kidd the perfect opportunity to introduce six QWFA Div. 1 women to senior footy. The inclusions are all new recruits to the game, with all of them coming from a variety of different sporting backgrounds including touch football, soccer and netball. One to watch this year is Helen McRae who was one of the best in Grange’s win on the weekend. McRae is a touch football convert who has incredible athleticism and is also a mum. She’s been converting her skills to Aussie Rules and is on track to be one of the Gorillas’ most valuable players this year if she maintains her good form. With the introduction of these women to senior footy, there will now be some healthy competition at Grange for players to earn and retain their spot in the team going forward.
The ladder now:
After earning the win over the Red Lions, Yeronga have taken back top spot on the 2017 Bond University QWAFL ladder from UQ on 20 points. Wilston Grange have vaulted up the rungs to sit in second on percentage, but are equal with Coorparoo and UQ on 18 points. Coolangatta Tweed are right behind the pack on 16 and are trailed by Maroochydore and Zillmere on six and zero points respectively. With only two games on this weekend, Yeronga and Coolangatta have the opportunity to jump clear at the top if they are able to secure wins over Maroochydore and Zillmere.
By Josh Cheadle
Twitter: @JoshCheadle20
