An incredibly accurate Aspley have scored a crucial victory at home over third placed Coorparoo by seven points – 8.1.49 to 6.6.(42). The margin of seven points was also their narrowest ever win over the Kings.
It was a goal apiece at quarter-time as Coorparoo looked to capitalise on the memorable win over previously undefeated Southport in the wet last week. They appeared to be on track with three goals to one in the second quarter to give the visitors a handy 14-point lead at half-time.
What Coorparoo did not bank on was Aspley in the dry conditions kicking 4.0 in the third quarter then followed up with another two goals straight in the last quarter to Lataya de Pauw and Rachel Vetter - courtesy of a 50-metre penalty - to sneak home. For trivia buffs, the Hornets Jessica Stallard kicked their only minor score just before half-time but again proved a match winner booting three goals with another key playmaker Kaitlyn Day scoring two. Jesse McMillan gathered 31 possessions, Lucia Liessi (20), Monique Dufty gave her team plenty of drive with 40 hit outs and 18 disposals (11 contested), while Anna van de Wiel down back helped restrict Coorparoo spearhead Chelsea Chesterfield to only one major.
There was nothing wrong with Kings attitude as the home side applied scoreboard pressure with the margin trimmed to two points at the final change after a late goal to Indie Scheffler in the third quarter. They were just unable to peg back the margin after Aspley’s two majors in the last term despite a late goal to Edie Fraser. In the process Fraser created a bit of history for her club as Coorparoo became the first team to reach 1600 goals in the Bond QAFLW competition.
Gracie Roberts-White was outstanding again with 30 disposals (23 contested) Lucy Schneider and Fraser with 17 each while both Renee Teys (16) and Tilayna Nissen battled hard against Dufty in the ruck.
Heading into this round, a loss meant the Hornets place in the top six was under threat from University of Queensland who played their part with a big victory at home over Moreton Bay. UQ would have levelled with Aspley on 28 points but leaping over them with a 21% advantage.
The win virtually assures the Hornets of a finals place with one round remaining as they host Yeronga South Brisbane next week while UQ have a tough assignment at Wilston Grange.
Following their surprise loss last week, Southport returned to winning ways eventually breaking away from the improving Gorillas.
An even first term with two goals apiece gave Wilston Grange hope of causing a similar upset to last week. However, they only managed one more for the match as the Sharks clicked into gear to kick 11 goals in the next three quarters to run out winners by 64 points 13.7.(85) to 3.3.(21).
Southport had nine individual goalkickers, headed by prolific sharpshooters Olivia Meagher and Caitlin Miller kicking three apiece and Meagher collecting 30 possessions as well. Kierra Zerafa (28), Steph O’Brien (23), Rianna Schipp (20) as their key players returned to form and Lily McDonald stepping into the ruck in the absence of Tayla Gregory.
Tshinta Kendall booted two of the Gorillas three goals with Charlize Anderson, Hayley Finning and Keyshia Matenga collecting 15 disposals each.
Southport’s victory sets up a terrific prelude next week ahead of the finals with the Sharks travelling to second-placed Morningside who warmed up for the clash with the expected victory over Yeronga South Brisbane.
Both teams are on 56 points (14 wins) so bragging and hosting rights with top spot on the ladder up for grabs depending on the result. They are due to meet again in the second week of the finals.
However, Southport will have to do without Gregory as it was announced on Friday, she has joined the Gold Coast SUNS on the eve of the 2025 AFLW season.
After forming a key part of the Sharks’ 2024 QAFLW premiership side, Gregory has featured in Southport’s best on nine occasions in 2025, in addition to a best-on-ground display for Queensland earlier this month, where she finished with 31 hit outs and 23 disposals.
The talented Shark featured for the first time in SUNS colours in Saturday night’s practice match against Geelong at People First Stadium.
The remaining match in in the penultimate round saw Bond University record a huge 85-point victory at Maroochydore. Kendra Blattman maintained her lead on the goalkicking list with three goals as did Charlotte Taylor.
Another exciting pre-final clash looms next week with the Bull Sharks (currently fourth) hosting Coorparoo with both teams on 40 points to potentially decide who finishes third at the end of the regular season.
As the Bond University QAFLW reaches its final round, Blattman with 35 leads by six on the goal kicking list from the Sharks Meagher and King’s Chesterfield both on 29 and the Panthers Laura Roy next best on 28.
