Week six of Queensland’s premier women’s competition sees a huge battle between UQ and Zillmere after 12 points separated them back in Round 2.
Wilston Grange will travel down the M1 to take on an undefeated Coolangatta and Coorparoo will look for redemption when they meet Yeronga.
Match of the Round:
University of Queensland v Zillmere Eagles
It was a very close contest when these two played each other at the start of the season. And yet again, it’s predicted to come down to wire. Zillmere had a disappointing loss against Yeronga last week and will be looking to bounce back in emphatic fashion.
UQ were only beaten in the last quarter by Coolangatta last week, and will want to develop consistency across four quarters as the season progresses. If Tayla Harris can impact the game, it will go a long way to Zillmere getting the win.
Where & When: Field 9, St Lucia @ 4:45pm, Saturday June 4
Last time they met: Round 2, 2016- UQ defeated Zillmere by 12 points
2016 form: UQ (3/5 Wins) Zillmere (2/5 Wins)
Key match up: Daryl Jensen (UQ) v Tayla Harris (Zillmere). This one is going to be a very interesting match up. Jensen has been in excellent form so far this year and Tayla struggled to impact the game when she played against Yeronga last week.
A big week from either girl will propel their side to victory. Jensen loves a low fast kick straight to her chest in the forwards, but Tayla can impress when overhead.
Prediction: UQ by 4 points.
Coolangatta v Wilston Grange
It’s a big week for Wilston Grange! Going up against an undefeated Coolangatta is no easy task, but the Gorillas are coming off a confidence building win over Coorparoo, so it’s anyone’s game.
Coolangatta will be extremely understaffed this week, with 14 of their best 22 coming out of the side.
Nikki Wallace is really going to have to pick up the load in the midfield this week with Cooly losing the likes of Arianna Clarke, Jordan Membrey and Ruby Blair.
Can Coolangatta get through a difficult week of injuries and outs? Or is an upset on the cards?
Where & When: Bill Godfrey Oval, Burleigh @ 3:00pm, Saturday June 4
Last time they met: Round 2, 2016 – Coolangatta defeated Wilston Grange by 102 points
2016 Form: Coolangatta (0/5 Wins) Wilston Grange (1/5 Wins)
Key match up: Selina Goodman (Coolangatta) v Mica Cubis (Wilston Grange). Cubis has been performing consistently for the Gorillas and will have the big task of going against Goodman who is playing her best football at the moment. Goodman is brilliant overhead but also strong around the contest and has pace out in the open. Cubis has the ability to present as a real challenge when she takes on Goodman.
Coach’s Thoughts: Aaron Russell, Coolangatta
“We really want to work for our possessions from the first bounce, we were to unaccountable in the first half last week letting UQ have to many uncontested possessions.”
“This week were focusing internally.”
“We will be asking a lot of our leaders still available in Leah, Nikki and Brooke to play some good football, which we know they can.”
“We have faith in our playing group and our game plans to find a way to win.”
Marcus McDonald-Camden, Wilston Grange
“Run and Carry has been our main focus this week as well as using the centre of the ground.”
“We can use the outside all we like, but if we can take metres through the middle of the ground that’s where we can become our most dangerous and take our game to the next level.”
“It’s going to be a hard slog, Cooly play quality football and love to have a run and a bounce.”
“If we are going to shut them down we will need to be tight around the contest and congest the open space so that we can control the game.”
Prediction: Coolangatta by 10 points.
Coorparoo v Yeronga
Coorparoo are still searching for their first win of the season, and will look to do just that against Yeronga on home turf.
Coorparoo would have been disappointed to not walk away with the win against Grange last week, however they showed at times that they can match it with any team.
Yeronga bounced back in the best way possible last week and will want to develop their consistency as they move towards the pointy end of the season.
Where & When: Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 4:45pm, Saturday June 4
Last time they met: Round 2, 2016- Yeronga defeated Coorparoo by 105 points
Form going in: Coorparoo (0/5 Wins) Yeronga (4/5 Wins)
Key match up: Sally Young (Coorparoo) v Emily Bates (Yeronga). They are Brisbane Lions teammates, but not when they meet on Saturday. Both are critical leaders for their respective sides and can make huge impacts on the game through their foot skills and ball use.
Prediction: Yeronga by 30 points.
