Round 15 Bond University QWAFL

By Ant Wingard

Wilston Grange v Coolangatta Tweed

Saturday July 21, 1:00PM
Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange

Round 15 looms as a crucial weekend for both Wilston Grange and Coolangatta despite both sides all but securing their place in the finals this season.

The Gorillas tasted defeat for the first time in 2018 last weekend against University of Queensland, and despite both sides fielding an experienced line up, the result was significant in the scope of the season.

That is because last week’s result proves Wilston Grange aren’t invincible, and the Bluebirds will be eager to demonstrate that again this week.

Coolangatta have emerged as an interesting team this season. The Bluebirds have produced six wins of the season but two losses in a row to the Gorillas and Bullsharks have meant the side sit just one win ahead of Bond University and Yeronga.

Most of their wins this year have come against teams below them on the ladder. Against the two teams in front of them, they have averaged just 14.3 points in three games.

Leah Kaslar will bolster the Bluebirds’ defence in Round 15 for the matchup with Wilston Grange, but a huge performance is needed from the away side to stamp their authority in the finals bracket.

University of Queensland v Yeronga South Brisbane

Saturday July 21, 3:45PM
Western Districts Oval, Kenmore

With so much at stake at Western Districts Oval on Saturday afternoon, the matchup between the Red Lions and Devils has the potential to be match of the round.

The log jam for fourth place – perhaps the only remaining finals spot still yet to be decided, has become a three-horse race including both of these outfits. While many suggest University of Queensland boast perhaps the best chance to grab the final place, Yeronga are the ones who currently find themselves in the box seat after winning two games in a row.

Having sat at sixth place for much of the season, the Devils’ quick return to form means they are quickly becoming the Cinderella story of the 2018 Bond University QWAFL, but in order to keep their place in the top four, a win over the Red Lions is vital.

University of Queensland find themselves in a tricky position. A mammoth win over powerhouse Wilston Grange last week all but kept their season alive but wins to Bond University and Yeronga meant the side remained outside of the finals bracket despite producing the season’s best and most important win.

University of Queensland boast a healthier percentage than both Yeronga and Bond University but also find themselves one win off the pace. A loss would effectively spell an end to their season while a win would keep them in a hunt.

Bond University v Maroochydore

Saturday July 21, 4:45PM
Subaru Oval. Broadbeach

Bond University kept their season alive with a gritty 23-point win over Coolangatta Tweed last week – the same side who defeated the Bullsharks just two weeks prior. The win was their first in five weeks and keeps the side in the hunt for fourth place.

A win over Maroochydore this weekend would propel the Bullsharks above the Devils, whom they trail by percentage, and back in fourth sport where they have been for most of the season.

In just her third game for the Bullsharks, USA native Katrina Scherer was the side’s standout performer, moving deeper inside 50 and finished with three goals. With just this game and a matchup with fellow finals contender Yeronga coming next week, Scherer will be pivotal in lifting Bond University into finals for the first time ever

The Roos, despite winning just the one game this season, are in a position where they hold the potential to shake up the final four teams. Maroochydore will play the Bullsharks this weekend and then face University of Queensland in the final round of the season and could spell a premature end to either side’s seasons with an upset win.

Bond University QWAFL Ladder