The finals are still a week away, but a fascinating last round of the regular season awaits with first playing second and third against fourth which will determine the paths teams will take in the upcoming series.
MORNINGSIDE (2ND) V SOUTHPORT (1ST) 4:45PM JACK ESPLEN OVAL
The format for the finals has the top two teams sitting out the first week and as they are well clear of third, both will meet again in week two where the winner receives a straight passage to the Grand Final. Despite their massive percentage difference both teams are on the same points so if the Panthers can inflict a defeat on their rivals, they will have hosting rights in that semi-final. Southport require a win or a draw at least and this would see the Sharks host.
There is a lot to play for, so how will the respective coaches go about preparing and deciding tactics for this contest? Will they play any trump cards? Any special plays up their sleeve? Or simply wait for that finals match up despite the huge carrot of home ground advantage dangling in front of them?
Whatever the case it will be a fascinating clash with an abundance of star players existing and returning for both sides. As previously mentioned, recent Gold Suns AFLW recruit Tayla Gregory will be sorely missed but at least the Southport coaching staff have a couple of games to reorganise their midfield and ruck division.
Last week Lily MacDonald did the bulk of the ruck work and with such a potent midfield and forward line, the Sharks retain enough confidence to cover any deficiencies –the return of Georja Davies (ruck), Sunny Lappin (midfield) and Dekota Baron (forward) undoubtedly helps!
Morningside are playing in their debut QAFLW season and what an impression they have made. Surprisingly, these two teams have been kept apart until this week so that will add to the intrigue. Yes, the Panthers have had some close calls, but they have only lost the one match in round 10 against Aspley.
Led by Laura Roy who leads their goalkicking and disposals along with playmakers, Isabella Levine, Lucy Bellinger, Courtney McDonnell, Gracie Roy and the ruckwork of Teresa Dixon and Georgia Lwin, the Panthers have their own firepower to test the Sharks. Returning players include Stella Scott & Zoe Petrides and together with Ella Gibson and last week’s Rising Star Annabel Peacock, the Panthers have their own set of young stars on the rise.
Southport’s only loss came at Coorparoo in the terrible conditions two weeks ago. Whether they treated that as a wake-up call remains to be seen but they disposed of top four aspirant Wilston Grange back at home and in the dry last week – this match is set to be a belter!
BOND UNIVERSITY (4TH) V COORPAROO (3RD) 4:45PM BOND UNIVERSITY OVAL
A similar scenario to the above preview for these two teams. Again, both are on level points, but a top two position is out of reach. For week one of the finals third hosts sixth and fourth plays fifth, so the result here will determine their finishing order and respective opponents next week.
There is one proviso of course. Lurking just one win behind both teams is Wilston Grange. There is almost a 100 percent differential Coorparoo have over the Gorillas so whatever happens it is doubtful the Kings would drop out of the top four.
However, with Bond the difference is just under 30 percent. Coorparoo would have to thrash the Bull Sharks and Wilston Grange likewise over University of Queensland (no easy task as UQ have a bit to play for too) for the Gorillas to pinch fourth on percentage.
The previous meeting between Bond and Coorparoo seems a long time ago now in round three on Anzac Day at Giffin Park. On that occasion the Bull Sharks prevailed by 19 points as they broke away after both were goalless at half time. A three-goal burst in the third quarter proving the difference. No doubt both teams have improved and changed since then but there is a recent form line through sixth placed Aspley.
Last week the Kings could have wrapped up third position but were unable to match the accuracy of the Hornets to narrowly go down by seven points. Two weeks ago, Bond proved to strong for Aspley at home after the Bulls Sharks had stumbled with a couple of consecutive defeats.
Aspley will play either Coorparoo or Bond University in week one depending on that result as they appear to be safe in sixth spot. Sure, nothing should be taken for granted but on the eve of the finals it would be the biggest upset of massive proportions if the winless Yeronga South Brisbane can break through at Graham Road.
It has been a tough couple of seasons for the young Devils, but they are developing, and no doubt learning a lot against these more experienced teams in the hope next season can bring that elusive victory.
University of Queensland is the team that will be hoping for that massive upset as they sit seventh on a better percentage but one win behind Aspley. To have any hope they must first attempt to inflict a defeat on Wilston Grange (4:45pm Hickey Park). The Red Lionesses could have had a better run at the topflight but will rue a couple of narrow losses including two weeks ago in those terrible conditions at Morningside where the final margin was just five points.
UQ have recorded six wins so far this year (one more than 2024) with an extra two sides in the competition, so whatever the result they will be keen to take that extra step to finals footy in 2026.
MORETON BAY V MAROOCHYDORE 2PM RED ROOSTER PARK (MB SPORTS COMPLEX)
The remaining match to preview means bragging rights over the summer are on offer for these “northside” clubs.
The Lions have managed three wins for the season while the Roos have two and would love nothing more to level up and with a slightly better percentage would swap places with the hosts after this final round.
The previous meeting at Maroochydore was in round nine and both sides recorded 10 scoring shots but slightly better accuracy and two goals in the first quarter saw the Lions home by ten points. Whilst the sprinklers ended that match prematurely, the expected precipitation should not be enough to stop this one going down to the wire.
Like Morningside, it is a debut season in BOND QAFLW for Moreton Bay. No doubt a worthwhile learning curve and with the game experiencing growth on the northern side and some extra recruiting, the club will be looking for natural improvement in 2026.