By Ant Wingard
Photo: David Layden Photography
Throughout the Bond University QWAFL season, AFL Queensland will take a look at a select few players to watch in the upcoming weekend’s action.
Coorparoo and Yeronga have established perhaps the Bond University QWAFL’s most revered rivalry after both sides emerged as premiership fancies over the last two seasons.
That rivalry ended up culminating in the Grand Final itself as the Devils emerged victorious over the Kings.
In that game, the Kings did all they could to nullify the lethality of select Yeronga players, namely those with AFL Women’s experience – Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Kate McCarthy and Emily Bates.
Coorparoo head coach, Michael Hewitt, chose to send speedster Kayla Geddes to McCarthy, using a like for like player to nullify the latter’s impact on the game.
The result was a small win for Coorparoo, who although the side lost the big dance, Geddes was able to curve the influence of one of the competition’s best.
Tonight, as both Yeronga and Coorparoo kick off Round 10 of the QWAFL at Leyshon Park, the rivalry will be reignited once again, and Geddes – this week’s QWAFL One to Watch, is poised to play a significant role in her side’s performance.
Coorparoo currently sit second on the ladder; trailing just Wilston Grange in the standings but they find themselves two wins ahead of the Devils.
With much of their experienced contingent missing portions of the season through representative honours or rests, it has been up to players such as Geddes to consistently perform.
Geddes has been named in her side’s best on three occasions this season and enters Round 11 riding a rich vein of form.
She crossed over to Australian Rules football prior to the 2017 season after playing touch football for several years, and since, the primary school teacher has played just 19 QWAFL games.
One Coorparoo teammate told aflq.cpm.au Geddes is not only speedy on the outside, but the midfielder knows how to find the ball in tight as well.
“She’s lightening quick and she usually plays through the midfield or on a wing.”
“She goes in hard at the footy, get it out and then makes defenders miss tackles and takes off.”
“I remember when she gave McCarthy a run for her money in the Grand Final last year.”
Coorparoo play Yeronga at Leyshon Park, Yeronga, on Friday June 15, at 7:30PM.
