The ‘Battle of the Birds’ continues between Coolangatta and Zillmere, Coorparoo host Yeronga and UQ take on Wilston Grange.
Match of the Round:
Coolangatta v Zillmere
Everything points to third ‘Battle of the Birds’ for 2016 being the closest.
Less than 15 points has separated the two sides so far this year, and we’re predicting a goal within the final two minutes could determine the winner.
Zillmere are coming off a confidence-boosting 28-point win against ladder rivals, UQ, and will take a huge amount of belief into this match.
Coolangatta have been getting back to their best form over the past couple of weeks and will want to hone in on their structures and strategy heading into finals.
It’s going to come down to who uses the ball better by foot, and who is more effective with their forward 50 entries.
If Zillmere take the game on, and aren’t afraid to take some risks it could be the Eagles taking four points back up the M1.
I’m picking Coolangatta to win this one, purely because they are hard to beat at home.
Where & When:
Peak Oval, Coolangatta Tweed @ 4:45pm, Saturday August 6
Last time they met:
Round 10, 2016- Coolangatta defeated Zillmere by 15 points
2016 form:
Coolangatta (10/12 Wins) Zillmere (6/12 Wins)
Key match up:
Selina Goodman (Coolangatta) v Nicola Clark (Zillmere). Selina Goodman has garnered the reputation of being the QWAFL’s best ruck this season.
She’s great overhead and at the ground, and can push forward to sneak a goal or two. She’s a key player in Cooly’s lineup.
Clark is a young, second year player who has transitioned nicely from starting as a key defender to playing as the number one ruckwoman for her side. She’s been extremely dominant in taps, and has a great leap, giving her midfielders first use of the ball.
Prediction: Coolangatta by 5 points
Coorparoo v Yeronga
It’s a case of football déjà vu, with Coorparoo and Yeronga meeting for the second week in a row.
There is no better opportunity for Coorparoo to right the wrongs of last week, and throw the hammer back at Yeronga.
The Devils played some of their best football last week, and were clean with their forward deliveries and ball movement.
If Coorparoo can replicate their effort from Round 10, where the two sides were relatively even in competitiveness despite the score line, than they might be able to cause an upset.
Coorparoo must play physically and force turnovers, but the key to winning will be capitalising when forward. Yeronga will be thinking solely about percentage this week, as the fight for top spot continues.
I can’t see the Devils letting this one slip through their fingers.
Where & When:
Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 4:45pm, Saturday August 6
Last time they met:
Washout Round, 2016 – Yeronga defeated Coorparoo by 72 points
2016 Form:
Coorparoo (1/12 Wins) Yeronga (10/12 Wins)
Key match up:
Brooke Spence (Coorparoo) v Demi Leach (Yeronga).
Last week Demi Leach had a breakout game, kicking six goals in the game with her booting three in the first quarter alone. She was definitely the most dangerous player on the field.
Brooke Spence was named as her side’s best player despite their loss, and if she can shut down Leach it will go a long to helping her side to victory.
Prediction:
Yeronga by 19 points.
UQ v Wilston Grange
Last time these two met, it was a wet, soggy Saturday morning and the Red Lionesses played to the conditions perfectly. UQ were classy and composed with the football and brought a lot of numbers to the ball.
Wilston Grange was competitive, but weren’t getting first use of the footy, which hurt them on the scoreboard.
This Saturday, UQ will be coming off a huge wakeup call against a powerful Zillmere side and will be determined to bounce back in impressive fashion.
Wilston Grange has had a difficult couple of weeks, lining up against a dominant Coolangatta at home.
This week’s battle will be won on the inside, and if Wilston Grange can win the contested ball we might see a different result from last time.
It’s going to be a challenge for the Gorillas, but don’t count them out. When they are at their best, they can match it with anyone.
Where & When:
Field 9, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday August 6
Last time they met:
Round 10, 2016- UQ defeated Wilston Grange by 37 points
2016 Form:
UQ (8/12 Wins) Wilston Grange (1/12 Wins)
Key match up:
Taylor Joyce (UQ) v Katie McGlade (Wilston Grange).
Both girls have been in excellent form for their respective sides over the past few rounds. Joyce in playing in her second season, in Queensland’s elite female competition and she has really paved her way as a key player for UQ.
McGlade is prominent up forward, and can be the spark the Gorillas need to upset the Red Lionesses.
Prediction:
UQ by 20 points.
By Jess Stewart
