By Sophie Wheeler
QWFA Division 1
Coorparoo v Burleigh
Coorparoo: 3.2 3.2 8.7 9.7 (61)
Burleigh: 1.2 4.5 5.5 6.7 (43)
Coorparoo has powered to a Grand Final berth in the QWFA Division 1 competition with a gallant win over perennial underdogs Burleigh at Giffin Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Kings recovered from a tense opening half to control proceedings en route to their 18-point win over the Bombettes.
Coorparoo will now face Aspley in the Grand Final at Leyshon Park, Yeronga this Sunday at 12:30pm.
It was evident early that the preliminary final would be no cakewalk for the home side Kings despite Burleigh finishing the home and away season in fifth place.
Having already claimed scalps over the fourth and third seeds in the division, the Bombettes wasted no time asserting themselves in the contest.
Amanda Jenkins got the game underway with the game’s opening major inside of the first minute before Coorparoo soon responded in resounding fashion.
Spearhead Meg Pullinger kicked three successive goals to round out the term as Coorparoo headed to the break with a tree goal lead.
But just as the Kings had done in the opening term, the Bombettes responded in the second.
As the game appeared to slip away for an imminent Coorparoo victory, Burleigh launched a barrage of goals – scoring three to nil before half time to carry a nine-point lead into the main break.
Burleigh of course had been rebuffed by a handful of Bond University QWAFL players, although their performances throughout the postseason had shown that any scalp was never too much.
Coorparoo’s goalless drought was broken early in the third term by M Farmer, which signalled the end of the Burleigh’s stronghold on the scoreboard.
From there, the Kings added six goals to two to keep their season alive, despite just three players contributing majors throughout the game.
Meg Pullinger kicked six of her side’s nine majors in a dominant display inside 50 while Kaitlyn Day and Emily Rose were also commendable in their roles through midfield and defence.
Coorparoo will face Aspley for the QWFA Division 1 premiership at 12:00pm, August 26 at Leyshon Park, Yeronga.
QWFA Division 2 North
Hinterland Blues vs Sandgate Hawks
Saturday, 18th of August 2018
Final Score: Hinterland Blues 3.1.19 defeated by Sandgate Hawks 5.6.36
The Sandgate Hawks have snatched up the final spot in the big dance after defeating the Hinterland Blues in a hard-fought contest on Saturday afternoon.
The two sides went head-to-head twice during the regular season, taking home one win apiece.
The Blues took home a comfortable 37-point win over the Hawks in Round 1, to which the Hawks retaliated in Round 10 with a 32-point victory, laying the foundations for an unpredictable final encounter.
The Hawks may have headed into the match as victors of their most recent clash, but the Blues finished the regular season eight points clear of the Hawks, earning them the home ground advantage for the game.
Sandgate were switched on from the first bounce, carving a nine point lead and rendering the Blues scoreless as they headed into the quarter-time break.
Alesha Thorne broke the Blue’s scoring deficit with a goal early in the second quarter.
The Hawks slotted a major shortly after, creating a 10-point lead as the half-time siren sounded.
Sandgate maintained their narrow lead throughout the third quarter, booting two goals to Hinterland’s one.
The Blues headed into the final term trailing by just 16 points, meaning their premiership hopes were still within arm’s reach if they could convert a few quick goals in the final 15 minutes.
However, Sandgate’s hunger for the win was too strong for the home side.
The Hawks clocked up another eight points in the final term, finishing 17 points in front as the final siren sounded.
17-year-old Brisbane Lions Academy player Jaspar Jordan and club Veteran Kelly Mewton were named among Hinterland’s best, while Aleena Long and Anneliese Piczak received Sandgate’s highest Best on Ground votes.
Sandgate’s victory progresses them through to the Grand Final on Sunday, where they will take on the undefeated Jindalee Jaguars.
The Hawks have a momentous task ahead of them, but their upset win over the Blues proves the side should not be underestimated.
QWFA Division 2 South
Morningside Panthers vs Mt Gravatt Vultures
Saturday 18th of August 2018
Final Score: Morningside Panthers 3.3.21 defeated Mt Gravatt Vultures 0.3.3
A large and lively crowd assembled at Morningside’s Jack Esplen Oval on Saturday afternoon to watch home team the Panthers produce a gutsy victory over the Mt Gravatt Vultures, earning themselves a spot in the big dance next Sunday.
The Panthers headed into the match as favourites, having defeated the Vultures twice during the regular season by 38 points on both occasions.
The Vultures were unable to make their way onto the scoreboard in the first quarter but they managed to keep the minor premiers under control, with Morningside heading into the first break with just a solitary point.
Mary Ross put an end to Morningside’s goal drought early in the second quarter, with her snap from the left flank bouncing through the big sticks.
The Vultures retaliated with plenty of fast-paced forward-50 entries, but many were thwarted by the Vulture’s Bettina Schilg who excelled in defence and worked the ball out of the Vulture’s scoring end on several occasions.
A gritty back-and-forth contest occurred throughout the third term, with the ball rarely entering either side’s forward-50.
The scores remained the same for the entire term, with Morningside maintaining their 13-point lead at the final break.
The footy spent most of the final quarter in Mt Gravatt’s scoring 50 but the Vultures were unable to convert a major score, kicking two behinds instead.
A quick transition to the Panther’s scoring end presented an opportunity for Mary Ross to boot her second for the game and cement the win for the Panthers.
Ross capitalised on the opening without hesitation, booting a long goal minutes before the final siren sounded to acknowledge the Panthers as 17-point victors.
The Panther’s win progresses them through to the Grand Final next Sunday, where they will battle the Robina Roos for premiership glory.
The two sides have encountered each other three times this season, with Morningside winning the first two games and Robina emerging victors in their most recent contest.
All three matches were decided by margins of four goals or less, promising the contest will be a tight and unpredictable affair.
