By Ant Wingard
@AntWingard
The Brisbane Lions Under-18 Female Academy has continued their superb start to the 2018 season with a convincing 37-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns Under-18 Female Academy on Saturday.
The game was featured as a curtain raiser at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex prior to the AFL Women’s clash between Brisbane and Collingwood.
Played in drizzling conditions, the Lions dominated play in the wet, steering to the 6.5 (41) to 1.2 (8) victory over their intra-state rivals.
Jemma Abbott was amongst her side’s best, kicking a game-high three goals whilst also being recognised as among the game’s best.
Bella Dawes and Zoe Gagliardi also found their way on to the scoresheet with two and one goals respectively for Brisbane, whilst Shenaa Murphy kicked the only goal of the game for the Gold Coast.
Saturday’s hit-out were both team’s second against each other over the last three weeks, and the two teams will do battle once again this Saturday at Coorparoo.
With the Under-18 Youth Girls Northern Academy Series set to take place next month in Coffs Harbour, both Brisbane and Gold Coast will look to prepare their squads for the tournament.
Gold Coast fielded a team comprised at large by talent from their talent zone in Queensland’s north, providing an opportunity for those girls to push for selection in the academy series.
BRISBANE LIONS 6.5 41
GOLD COAST SUNS 1.2 8
GOALS
Brisbane: 3 Jemma Abbott, 2 Belle Dawes, Zoe Gagliardi
Gold Coast: Shenaa Murphy
BEST
Brisbane: Abbey Cittadella, Jemma Abbot, Taylah King, Tarni White, Bella Dawes, Chloe Gregory
Gold Coast: Tori Groves- Little, Ellie Hampson, Allanah Phinesea, Taylor Smith, Tiarna Ahwang, Poppy Boltz
