Round 10 results:
Maroochydore 19.10 (124) def. Zillmere Eagles 1.0 (6)
University of Queensland 4.11 (35) def. by Coolangatta Tweed 5.6 (36)
Wilston Grange 6.6 (42) def. by Coorparoo 12.10 (82)
BYE: Yeronga South Brisbane
Thriller in St Lucia:
With the scoreboard reading 27-1 at quarter time, one could be forgiven for backing UQ in for their 5th win of the season against Coolangatta. The Bluebirds looked shell-shocked in the first quarter and lacked the polish and execution we have come to expect from them for so long. But a rev-up by their senior players and coach at quarter time was the catalyst for a fascinating three-quarter comeback which saw Coolangatta take the lead for the first time with just minutes left in the final term.
UQ came out blazing after a two-week layoff, with Maria Maloney putting in an inspiring first quarter effort of two goals. However the Red Lions were hit by multiple injuries to key personnel in the second half with Bre Koenen (ankle), Sharni Webb (sickness) and Rachel Anstey (head cut) unable to take further part in the game. As a result, their bench was cut to three and ultimately they weren’t able to hold off the surging Bluebirds who were rallied by star players Zoe Lattanzi, Leah Kaslar, Nikki Wallace, Kara Membrey and Maddy Roberts.
While Coolangatta are usually known for their outside speed and ball carry, they were forced to adapt from their traditional style of play, and reaped the rewards when they started to lift the intensity and competitiveness in the contested footy department.
At the Kings command:
Everything clicked for Coorparoo on Saturday. Heading into their match, the Kings were locked on 18 points with their opposition Wilston Grange. With the winner guaranteed third spot on the ladder, the Kings came out all guns blazing, but Grange were quick to respond and stayed within five points at quarter time before the blues started to pull away. Coorparoo were almost flawless with their kicking game, executing difficult long-range kicks to perfection to provide plenty of headaches for the Gorillas defence. Brittany Gibson put on a masterclass in front of goals, kicking three, including a monster from 50-metres.
While the Kings ran out 40 point winners in the end, the scoreboard certainly didn’t reflect the competitiveness of the match. Three weeks without a game of footy took its toll on the Grange players who were missing some crucial match fitness as they tried to compete in the second half of the match. Nevertheless, the game was so captivating it prompted Wilston Grange coach Laura Kidd to declare it the highest standard of women’s footy from both sides she’s seen.
Young Roo kicks a bag:
Queensland Under 18 representative and Maroochydore forward Jemma Abbott has helped the Roos to their second win of the season over the Zillmere Eagles with a promising performance in front of the sticks. Abbott, who is always a threat inside 50, kicked six for the day, her equal-highest tally this year which she also registered in round one against the same opponent. She was aided up front by Jessica Parsons who kicked four, with Kelly Woods (two goals), Shannon Campbell (one goal) and Kate Surman providing excellent ball movement to deliver the ball into the tall forwards. It was overall a pleasing result for Maroochydore who are now starting to find their feet at QWAFL level after being promoted in the off-season.
The ladder now:
Coolangatta and Coorparoo’s wins have now opened up some space between the sides in the top four. Yeronga still sit at number one despite having a bye this round, but have been joined on 24 points by Coolangatta, who will have to wait until round 12 to add to their total. Coorparoo is placed third on 22 points, followed by Wilston Grange (fourth) and UQ (fifth) on 18. Maroochydore’s second win lifts them to 10 points while the Eagles remain in seventh position on zero points.
By Josh Cheadle
Twitter: @JoshCheadle20
