By Ant Wingard
This weekend’s inaugural AFL Women’s QClash is set to be a ‘spicy’ affair according to Gold Coast co-captain Sam Virgo.
The fourth-year AFLW player was joined by Brisbane veteran Lauren Arnell and respective coaches David Lake and Craig Starcevich at a joint media conference on Tuesday afternoon, drumming up the importance of the showdown this Saturday.
“It’s going to be spicy,” Virgo said.
“Everyone wants to win. There are bragging rights and stake and it means a lot to all of us.
“It is for four points but this is the one you mark in the calendar when you see the draw come out. We’re looking forward to this one.”
Virgo’s comments are reflective of views held in both the Lions and SUNS camps that they dearly would love to win against their rivals in what will be the first official meeting between both clubs at AFLW level.
The contest also plays significant importance too considering the form both teams find themselves in following two rounds of competition.
But both Starcevich and Lake remained coy about the significance of the matchup, apart from the customary four points on offer. Yet considering the copious links that extend between the SUNS and Lions across the playing group, coaching ranks and even fitness staff, the covet of victory becomes increasingly evident as the game draws closer.
“At the end of the day it’s the first time we get to play each other so you get bragging rights whoever wins, but it’s Round 3 and we’re both trying to build a season,” Starcevich said.
“Really in the scheme of the competition it’s not worth six points or eight points if you win, it’s still four points. Some games are different because there is a bit more build up around it.”
While both teams will be desperate to win as they converge on Metricon Stadium, a genuine theme heading into the blockbuster clash was the immense respect between the two camps.
“They are all on each other’s social media and they’re friends but I’m sure when they go into battle, I’m sure there will be game faces but I think there is still a hell of a lot of respect,” Lake said.
Arnell concurred and alluded to the uniqueness of the AFL Women’s competition which helps foster the personal relationships and friendships across teams and states.
“I think as Lakey was saying, there is huge amounts of respect among these playing groups and that’s really important being QClash,” she said.
“Both teams will be intending to win this weekend and maintaining that respect across the competition.
“One of the best things about this comp is coming up against some of your best mates. I can’t wait for that on Saturday.”
AFL Women’s Round 3
Gold Coast v Brisbane
Saturday, February 22 4:10pm
Metricon Stadium
Get your tickets here.
