Round 4 results:
Wilston Grange 9.8 (62) def. Coolangatta Tweed 6.5 (41)
Yeronga South Brisbane 17.11 (113) def. University of Queensland 2.3 (15)
Maroochydore 26.13 (169) def. Zillmere Eagles 0.0 (0)
BYE: Coorparoo
What mattered most:
Much like last round, this week was highlighted by the return of some key Brisbane Lions players to the QWAFL. Kate Lutkins starred in her return to Wilston Grange, scoring a goal while predominately playing off half-back. Shannon Campbell was one of the best on ground in her return to Maroochydore and was dangerous up forward, booting two goals. Sam Virgo was also prolific in her first game for Yeronga this year, kicking a hat-trick of goals and playing a mixture of forward and defence. Nicole Hildebrand, Sharni Webb and Bre Koenen strengthened UQ’s line-up this week but couldn’t get the win over a rampant Yeronga side.
Grange make it two on the trot:
Wilston Grange started the season as the dark horse of the competition, but have quietly worked their way to a two-game win streak after toppling an under-strength Coolangatta. The Gorillas made inroads early, jumping out to a 24-8 quarter time lead before the Bluebirds mounted a comeback to be within 10 points at half-time. But Grange found something extra in the final half to put the game beyond doubt. The Gorillas were served well by players all over the ground, with the midfielders linking in with the forwards and chipping in with some valuable goals. Their win makes next weekend’s tantalising matchup with UQ look set to be the game to watch.
Abbott bags six:
Jemma Abbott returned with a bang for Maroochydore on the weekend. After being named in the Queensland U18 women’s squad to play in the National Championships, Abbott celebrated with a six-goal haul and was best on ground in their 169-point win. The dangerous prospect, who turned 18 on Thursday, showed the competition she has a bright future ahead as she capitalised on an under-performing Zillmere defence. Playing predominately at half-forward, Abbott saw plenty of the ball and used her pace to simply out-class her Zillmere opponents as she racked up goal after goal. Her straight kicking has seen her rocket up into third place on the QWAFL leading goal-kickers list, behind Alex Hamlyn (eight), and Maddi Peeters (11).
The ladder now:
Having only played two games, Yeronga sit firmly in first place on the QWAFL ladder after back-to-back wins and are the only team to remain undefeated. Wilston Grange’s upset win over reigning premiers Coolangatta sees them vault into second place on percentage, with the Bluebirds sliding down to third. Maroochydore’s first ever QWAFL win has them sitting in fourth position on six points, followed by Coorparoo and UQ who are trailing on percentage. Zillmere, still yet to register a win, bring up the rear. With Yeronga having the bye in Round 5, Grange and Coolangatta both have the chance to claim top spot with a big percentage-boosting win.
By Josh Cheadle
@JoshCheadle20
