Image by Anthony Byron Photography
By Abby Collins
Aspley claimed a resounding victory in a gripping showdown against Wilston Grange, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Battling not just their opponents but also the swirling winds that swept across the ground, the Hornets proved their mettle.
The final score read 16.10 (106) to 10.10 (70), solidifying Aspley’s position as the ladder leaders and sending a clear message to the competition.
The game kicked off with a bang, courtesy of Connor Stackelberg, who launched into action with an impressive opening goal.
Aspley quickly established their rhythm, displaying exceptional ball movement that left the Gorillas scrambling.
With Stackelberg leading the charge, he netted two majors, while Thomas Watson, captain Brandon Batchelor, and Tom Templeton each added to the scoreboard, setting the Hornets up with a commanding 6-goal first quarter.
Wilston Grange, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing.
Their attack lacked cohesiveness, and the pressure from Aspley’s defence was palpable.
Their defensive efforts from Daniel Farry and Hugh Fidler highlighted the Gorillas’ intensity and attempt to wrestle back control, but they were left with little room to breathe as Aspley maintained their heavy pressure in the opening play.
As the siren sounded, Aspley held a firm grip on the game, leading by 36 points.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as Wilston Grange came out with renewed energy.
Rhys Mathieson applied relentless pressure, resulting in the Gorillas’ first major.
The crowd erupted as debutant Blair Humphreys scored the second Gorilla goal of the quarter.
With Blair Rosenbrock stepping up to support, the Gorillas began to find their rhythm, narrowing the margin.
However, Connor Stackelberg was not to be outdone.
Responding with his third major of the day, he reaffirmed Aspley’s dominance.
Despite the Gorillas winning more clearances and locking the footy in their forward 50 for longer stretches, they still trailed by 34 points at halftime.
The Hornets’ early blitz had set a daunting challenge for Wilston Grange.
As the third quarter unfolded, Aspley reasserted their authority.
Joel Leahy kicked off the scoring with a stunning goal from 55 metres out, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Cody Stackelberg followed suit, adding another major to the Hornets’ tally.
Despite Zach Westerberg’s end-to-end run resulting in a much-needed goal for the Gorillas, the margin ballooned to 41 points, as Aspley’s control of the game became increasingly evident.
The quarter was marred by stoppages, adding to the tension, but Aspley’s composure shone through.
The Hornets’ ability to adapt and maintain their lead kept the Gorillas at bay, leaving them with a steep hill to climb heading into the final quarter.
The last quarter was a spectacle, with both teams displaying their fighting spirit.
Wilston Grange clawed their way back into the contest, matching Aspley goal for goal.
Five majors from each side lit up the scoreboard, with Ethan Myers delivering a sensational goal from the boundary line that had supporters on their feet.
Wilston Grange’s Marly McGregor and Mathieson were shuffled around in a tactical move, but the Hornets held firm.
In a dramatic finish, Will Peppin scored the final two goals of the match, further widening the margin and sealing Aspley’s victory.
Watson capped off a stellar performance with his third major, contributing to a thrilling finish.
Despite the Gorillas’ valiant efforts, Aspley’s early lead proved insurmountable.
This electrifying match not only showcased Aspley’s prowess but also highlighted their resilience as reigning premiership winners.
With only one round of home and away games left in the season, Aspley’s victory solidifies their position at the top of the ladder, while Wilston Grange will need to regroup and refine their strategy as they look to bounce back.
The stage is set for an exciting finish to the season!
Wilston Grange 0.1 4.2 5.4 10.10 (70)
Aspley 6.5 9.6 11.9 16.10 (106)
Goals
Wilston Grange Fidler 2, Humphreys 2, Derksen, Fazldeen, Korewha, Mathieson, Mcgregor, Westerberg
Aspley Connor Stackelberg 3, Watson 3, Batchelor 2, Leahy 2, Peppin 2, Myers, O’Dwyer, Cody Stackelberg, Woblers
Best Player
Wilston Grange Tex Korewha, Joel Budarick, Ben McGinness, Hugh Fidler, Rhys Mathieson
Aspley Joel Leahy, Coen Harker, Mitchell Crawley, William Peppin, Lleyton Brown, Thomas Watson
Other Games
Palm Beach Currumbin v Labrador
Palm Beach Currumbin 2.4 7.8 11.14 16.15 (111)
Labrador 8.2 12.4 13.5 16.8 (104)
Goals
Palm Beach Currumbin Beaman 4, McInney 3, Rubock 3, Cilmi 2, Hickey, Hull, Thynne, Valpied
Labrador Fyfe 4, Pearce 3, Bristow 2, Derrington 2, Simpson 2, Lee, Offersman, Sullivan
Best Players
Palm Beach Currumbin Ted O’Brien, Jed Harrison, Cory Beaman, Ben McInneny, Tom Hickey, Thomas Thynne
Labrador Rhys Nicholls, Jake Goldsmith, Tom Miller, Christian Webster, Mason Field, Jay Foon
Surfers Paradise v Maroochydore
Surfers Paradise
Maroochydore
Goals
Surfers Paradise
Maroochydore Gallop 3, Cavallaro 2, Hahn, Jacka, Thomas, Wilson
Best Players
Surfers Paradise Axel Moore, Nicolas Harrison, Elijah Reardon, Matt Doran, Benjamin Woodburn, Jamison Shea
Maroochydore Joshua Wagner, Ty Gallop, Joshua Govan, Aaron Wilson, Lochie Laing, Adam Smyth
Morningside v Broadbeach
Morningside 2.7 5.10 14.13 22.16 (148)
Broadbeach 3.1 4.3 6.7 10.7 (67)
Goals
Morningside Cameron-Reeves 3, Downie 3, Horne 3, Lovig 3, Cockatoo 2, Bertoli-Simmonds, Buzza, Lloyd, Mcdonagh, Niland-Rowe, Peak, Swann, Waters
Broadbeach Bowman 3, Davie-Lewczuk 2, Butler, Chadwick, Cooper, Harmelin, Harrington,
Best Players
Morningside Cam Lovig, Dylan Swann, Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds, Mitchell Howson, Tommy Horne, Darcy Cameron-Reeves
Broadbeach Riley Bowman, Brandon Chadwick, Lucas Jellyman-Turner, Blake Erickson, Benjamin Kelly, Cody Harrington
Mt Gravatt v Redland-Victoria Point
Mt Gravatt 1.2 1.4 2.6 2.9 (21)
Redland-Victoria Point 7.4 9.6 15.13 22.15 (147)
Goals
Mt Gravatt Angus, Hurst
Redland-Victoria Point Brown 5, Finch 5, Huddy 2, Smith 2, Carbone, Gardiner, Hunkin, Miller, Owen, Pope, Reeves, Williams
Best Players
Mt Gravatt Rafe Priestley, Thomas Hurst, Kaeden Corboy, Jack Paterson, Richard Jenkie, Fletcher Clare
Redland-Victoria Point Bailey Reeves, Byron Finch, Joshua Brown, William Johnson, Adrian Williams, Matthew Owen
Noosa v Sherwood
Noosa 7.3 8.8 9.10 11.13 (79)
Sherwood 2.2 4.4 9.6 13.9 (87)
Goals
Noosa Freeman 3, Rich 3, Airey-Bamback, Horbury, Johnston, Pettigrove, Rogers
Sherwood Bulley 5, Utting 2, Capling, Cruice, Giles, Knight, Meekin, Nelson
Best Players
Noosa Benjamin McNiece, Sebastian Rogers, Tallis Buntain, Mac Johnston, Jai Fitzpatrick, Ben Archard
Sherwood Jonathan Giles, Jack Austin, Tristen Meekin, Xavier Knight, Riley Greene, Connor Bulley
