Round 15 results:
Zillmere Eagles 1.1 (7) def. by Coorparoo 13.19 (97)
University of Queensland 5.3 (33) def. by Yeronga South Brisbane 13.9 (87)
Wilston Grange 13.9 (87) def. Maroochydore 0.2 (2)
BYE: Coolangatta Tweed
Adapting Devils:
The circumstances were less than ideal for Yeronga during their match against UQ, but some quick-thinking and adjustments from the coaching box saw them clinch an important win on Saturday afternoon. Powerhouse forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub suffered from what appeared to be a dislocated finger in the first quarter for Yeronga, and was quickly rushed to the emergency room to determine if there were any bone breaks. With in-form ruck Erica Fowler also pulling out before the game, the Devils were faced with playing three quarters of footy without two of their key tall players.
UQ were also in a similar height-shortage situation coming into the match, missing a couple of key players with injury or unavailability. However the Red Lions did well to keep pace with Yeronga for most of the match, but were just forced to play catch-up footy for too long. The Devils did well to adapt their game-plan on the run by swinging Sam Virgo forward to fill the gap, which paid off with a few classy goals. However it was Emily Bates in the middle who did all the damage, winning clearance after clearance for Yeronga and giving her side plenty of scoring opportunities. The win keeps Yeronga within striking distance of Coorparoo in first place on the QWAFL ladder.
Jordan’s back:
It’s been a long time between drinks for Jordan Zanchetta who made her successful return from injury on the weekend. Zanchetta last played in the QWAFL in round two, 2016, tearing her ACL in that game which dashed her hopes of making it onto an AFLW list. While she wasn’t at her absolute best on Saturday, it’s a step in the right direction for the 22-year-old, who will be hoping to get through the rest of the season unscathed and help Yeronga to a premiership. She certainly caught the eye on a couple of occasions, including shortly after the first bounce where she ran down an opponent spectacularly to have them pinged for holding the ball. Hopefully it won’t be long until we see some more vintage Zanchetta in the weeks to come.
New nest:
After a long wait, the Zillmere Eagles have finally re-opened their clubhouse doors to their faithful players and supporters. All the hard work and dedication by volunteers over the last three years paid off on Saturday when hundreds flocked to O’Callaghan Park to celebrate 10 years of women’s footy at Zillmere with the newly renovated clubhouse. Among the guests were local councillors, AFL representatives and even Brisbane Lions Women’s CEO and foundation member Breeanna Brock. Zillmere plays its last QWAFL game for the year on Saturday against Maroochydore and the players will be hoping for another strong turnout to end their season on a high.
The ladder now:
Not much has changed on the QWAFL ladder this week. Coorparoo and Yeronga remain in first and second place after their respective wins, but just two points separate the sides with two rounds to go. Wilston Grange are the big movers this week, taking advantage of Coolangatta’s bye to jump ahead of them into third position. It leaves the Bluebirds in fourth, followed by UQ in fifth, Maroochydore in sixth and Zillmere in seventh. Yeronga and Coorparoo have now locked in a finals berth, but the door is still open for Grange, Coolangatta and UQ to claim the final two spots. Coolangatta have arguably the toughest run home, coming up against Yeronga this week and Coorparoo the next, which will make the final rounds of the QWAFL very interesting.
By Josh Cheadle
Twitter: @JoshCheadle2
