Image by Anthony Byron Photography
By Abby Collins
The Aspley Hornets secured a thrilling victory over the Morningside Panthers in a top-of-the-table clash at Jack Esplen Oval on Saturday.
This crucial win for Aspley propelled them to the top of the QAFL ladder in a game that saw the lead changing hands multiple times.
The final score saw Aspley triumph 16.7 (103) to Morningside’s 12.3 (75), showcasing the Hornets’ ability to overcome a significant deficit and finish strong.
The first quarter was a highly competitive, goal-for-goal affair, with both teams demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Tommy Templeton opened the scoring for Aspley with a well-placed goal, but Morningside quickly responded through their leading goal scorer, Keegan Downie, levelling the scores just three minutes into the match.
Aspley’s Will Peppin then put his name on the scoreboard with a lovely kick, capitalising on a ball kept in play by Connor Stackelberg.
The back-and-forth continued as Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds scored for Morningside, bringing the scores level once again.
The quarter was marked by impressive defensive efforts, particularly from Aspley’s backline, which faced immense pressure from Morningside’s forward pack.
Greenaway showcased his tackling prowess, laying out several crunching tackles that set the tone for the match.
By the end of the first quarter, Aspley held a narrow lead, with the scoreboard reflecting a competitive spirit and solid ball movement from both sides.
The second quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Morningside took control, kicking six goals to Aspley’s two.
After O’Dwyer’s early goal for Aspley, the Panthers responded with a flurry of scoring.
Goals from Tommy Horne, Zac Straker, Darcy Cameron-Reeves, Garrett McDonagh, and two from Keegan Downie pushed Morningside into a commanding lead.
Their defensive unit, featuring Max Nelson, Cam Lovig, and Garrett McDonagh, effectively disrupted Aspley’s scoring attempts, leaving the Hornets struggling to find their rhythm.
By the end of the quarter, Aspley had only managed to add 12 points to their tally, trailing significantly as Morningside established a comfortable margin.
As the premiership quarter commenced, Aspley was determined to claw back the deficit.
With Morningside leading by 22 points, the Hornets ramped up their defensive efforts, thwarting the Panthers’ goal-scoring opportunities.
The ruck battle between Will Wolbers and Brad Hodge was a highlight, showcasing two of the league’s best ruckmen.
Tommy Horne continued to be a standout for Morningside, but Aspley’s resilience began to shine through.
Captain Brandon Batchelor’s leadership and ability to take contested marks allowed Aspley to regain some momentum.
The quarter concluded with a goal from Tom Watson, shifting the lead back into Aspley’s hands and setting the stage for a thrilling final term, with only a two-point margin separating the teams.
The final quarter was a testament to Aspley’s determination and skill.
Zac Straker opened the scoring for Morningside, reclaiming the lead with a well-timed goal.
However, Aspley quickly responded, with Connor Stackelberg converting a major off a self-handball from Ethan Myers.
Daniel Henderson then kicked a goal to extend Aspley’s lead, followed by O’Dwyer’s magnificent effort that further pushed the margin.
The Hornets dominated the final term, outscoring Morningside six goals to two.
Reigning back-to-back premiership winners, Aspley put on a solid display with their comeback victory, demonstrating their keen ability to perform under pressure.
This high-intensity match, filled with lead changes and exceptional individual efforts, exemplified why both teams have consistently held top positions in the QAFL this season.
Morningside 4.1 10.2 10.3 12.3 (75)
Aspley 5.0 7.2 10.5 16.7 (103)
Goals
Morningside Downie 3, Cameron reeves 2, Straker 2, Bertoli-Simmonds, Cockatoo, Greenaway, Horne, Mcdonagh
Aspley Connor Stakelberg 5, O’Dwyer 3, Watson 2, Henderson, Leahy, Lonergan, Peppin, Cody Stackelberg, Templeton
Best Players
Morningside Tommy Horne, Dylan Swann, Darcy Cameron-Reeves, Wyatt Greenaway, Max Nelson, Kai Purslow
Aspley William Peppin, Mitchell Crawley, Connor Stackelberg, Daniel Henderson, Matthew Payne, William O’Dwyer
In other games
Maroochydore v Mt Gravatt
Maroochydore 10.4 19.9 26.13 34.16 (220)
Mt Gravatt 1.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 (13)
Goals
Maroochydore Gallop 7, Wilson 6, Cavallaro 5, Scholard 4, Govan 2, Laing 2, McDonald 2, Vivian 2, Adams, Hahn, Holt, Stewart
Mt Gravatt Costa, Finlay
Best Players
Maroochydore Ty Gallop, Harrison Ronchi, Mitchel Scholard, Joshua Govan, Hudson Vivian, Hunter Moore
Mt Gravatt Rafe Priestley, Richard Jenkie, Tadhg Angus, Jarryd Karo, Thomas Hurst, Kaeden Corboy
Sherwood v Palm Beach Currumbin
Sherwood 5.4 13.5 16.7 21.11 (137)
Palm Beach Currumbin 3.2 5.3 9.4 13.5 (83)
Goals
Sherwood Hude 4, McCarthy 4, Fletcher 3, Bulley 2, Knight 2, Nelson 2, Austin, Collins, Cruice, Meekin
Palm Beach Currumbin McInney 3, Beaman 2, Graham 2, Cilmi, Croad, Hay, Hickey, Sekac, Stafford
Best Players
Sherwood Jonathan Giles, Owen Collins, Liam Hude, Isaac McCarthy, Tristen Meekin, Will Fletcher
Palm Beach Currumbin Tom Hickey, Ted O’Brien, Jed Harrison, Jackson Graham, James Frawley, Ben McInneny
