By Ant Wingard
Bond University v Yeronga South Brisbane
Saturday July 28, 4:45PM
Bond University
Any chance of Yeronga South Brisbane returning to the postseason after their premiership triumph one year ago hinges almost entirely on a win over the similarly placed Bond University.
The Devils find themselves just one win behind the Bullshark but also find themselves in a log jam with University of Queensland.
The likelihood of the Devils climbing into the top four would require some sort of win too, in much the same vein as their Round 14 triumph over Maroochydore, given the 6.47% deficit between the two sides.
The challenge may be too much of a stretch for Yeronga given the late season renaissance of the Bullsharks, who have won their last two matchups and now have the potential to finish as high as third on the ladder.
Much of Bond University’s improvement over the past fortnight has come via the return of their Under-18 state cohort which represents a sizeable portion of the Bullsharks’ squad. The side had five players features in the Queensland state team – a figure higher than any other side in the competition.
In their previous encounter this year, Yeronga claimed the four points after a gallant second-half comeback which was iced by an Emily Bates goal early in the final term. Bates will again line up for the Devils this weekend alongside Jordan Zanchetta in the midfield.
University of Queensland v Coolangatta Tweed
Saturday July 28, 4:45PM
Griffith University Campus Oval 2
Given we’re nearing the climax of the season, it seems every game has monumental significance riding on every result and the matchup between the Red Lions and Bluebirds is certainly no different.
University of Queensland have shown all of the signs of being a finals-calibre team, however the race is still on for the Red Lions to even qualify. The side currently sit fifth and again find themselves just one win outside of the top four.
University of Queensland have won two games in a row – flexing their muscles against Wilston Grange and Yeronga respectively, but the Bullsharks too have been able to maintain their superior ladder position with wins themselves.
A scalp over the Bluebirds in Round 16 would all but ensure the Red Lions a place in the finals; especially when considering Maroochydore awaits next week.
But the Red Lions aren’t the only side with a lot at stake in the matchup. After nestling into third position for much of the season, Coolangatta now find themselves in a spot of bother and could be at risk of falling down the ladder.
The Bluebirds have now lost three games in a row and given their flatlining form, Bond University has drawn level on six wins.
Coolangatta face Coorparoo next week which suggests both matchups are crucial in keeping their season alive.
Coorparoo v Maroochydore
Saturday July 28, 4:45PM
Giffin Park Oval, Coorparoo
If they hadn’t done so already, Coorparoo has the chance to lock away second place on the ladder with a win over Maroochydore this weekend as the Kings prepare for yet another finals campaign.
In their way however, is Maroochydore, who despite their struggles this season, could decimate a team’s finals chances with an upset win over the final two rounds.
The Roos have been mathematically eliminated from finals for a number of weeks now but could hinder Coorparoo’s postseason preparation and inflict a second straight defeat on their opponent.
Coorparoo emerged 33-point winners in their Round 11 encounters earlier this season, courtesy of two goals from both Cleo Davis and Alana Perry, yet Maroochydore showed promising signs in the defeat.
The Roos produced their third-highest points tally of the year in that matchup and it remains their best performance on the scoreboard over the last four rounds.
Maroochydore will again look towards their old firm to lead in the matchup through the experience of girls such as Rachel Crack, a former King, and Kate Surman, who have been named in the side’s bests eight and seven times respectively.
But despite the possibility of an upset, Coorparoo will enter the contest heavy favourites around the league.
The Kings coughed up an uncharacteristic loss to Yeronga last week but the side can get back on track this week, ensuring their previous result is a mere blip on their road to finals.
Ally Anderson will return for the Kings in what will be her third game of the season, bolstering Coorparoo’s midfield in the absence of Emma Zielke.
