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SOUTHPORT v MORNINGSIDE 3pm Fankhauser Reserve
Early in the season and a grand final rematch is scheduled for Bond University QAFLW Round Two. The Southport Sharks were the benchmark in 2025 and had the better of Morningside in three meetings culminating in the premiership. The Sharks have been ‘on-the-hunt’ over the summer judging by the 'welcome' they gave newcomers Broadbeach last week with many of their stars to the fore – Giselle Davies returned with 4 goals, Olivia Meagher kicked 3 (suspended this week) and the aptly named Megan Hunt prowling the midfield. Meanwhile, the Panthers were also selective over the summer bringing in firepower such as Coco Garton (UQ), Kaitlyn Day (Aspley) and Indiana Williams (ex-MAR) from the Brisbane Lions in order to close the gap on Saturday's opposition. They recorded a resounding opening round win with the players mentioned plus regulars Gracie and Laura Roy, Roisin Chu and Mackenzie Sleep among many others quickly finding form. It remains to be seen on Saturday if the gap has closed….
COORPAROO v ASPLEY 4-45PM Giffin Park
A double-header for both these clubs with the men playing in the earlier matches so there should be plenty of support for this contest. Coorparoo jumped out of the blocks with a super impressive display at Moreton Bay in Round One. The extra recruiting during the pre-season paying dividends early for the Kings who are looking at lofty heights again this year. And in a major coup, the well decorated Sarah Perkins debuts at Giffin Park this week! The teams met twice last year with a win apiece at their respective home grounds with only narrow margins between them. Aspley too have opened the welcome mat to a number of new players to strengthen their roster to reverse recent fortunes against the power clubs. However, the Hornets would have been disappointed with their low score against Bond University last week and are hoping to test a primed Kings outfit a lot further here. Youngster Niamh McCarthy returns, Ella Smith will be looking to build on last week and the ruck combo of Corrigan/Poultney will be called upon.
MORETON BAY v BOND UNIVERSITY 3-45pm Red Rooster Park
Moreton Bay continue to grow however any aspirations of improving on last year’s total of three wins was interrupted by a rampaging Coorparoo last week. It does not get any easier on Saturday with Bond University who will be out to maintain their strong start. The Lions though are at home and will be keen to get that first goal on the board but threading through the Bull Sharks team defence for four quarters will be a further challenge. The Lions leaders will be pivotal – Emmerson Brady, Shauna Kelly, Taima Rue and the hyphens, Grace Pearson-Smith and Breanna-Rose White, to ensure the Bull Sharks competitiveness is matched. For Bond, Zielke medallist Shannon Nolan, Grace Moodie and Charlotte Taylor will no doubt have a say!
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND v MAROOCHYDORE 12pm Base Architecture Meadows
This is one match where a tight finish might be expected. UQ did comfortably defeat Maroochydore in their only meeting last year at this venue by 39 points, but roster changes on both sides should bring them a little closer. The Red Lionesses finished last year just outside the top six and while Coco Garton's move to another club is a big loss, this contest is one they are hoping to put four points on the board. Elka Barnett, Eva Sartor, Charlotte Andrews and ex-Lion Luca Yoshida-Martin will be keen to ensure this happens. Meanwhile, Maroochydore did manage to put three goals on the board against a rampant Wilston Grange last week and although the scoreboard indicated differently, there is too much talent in the Roos squad for them to be dismissed. SJ O’Grady resumed her commanding post in defence last week, Gabi Simpson needed the run (and today matches up against ex-teammates) and Taya Oliver will be keen to get 4pts on the board. This match will be an indicator as to the early pecking order.
WILSTON GRANGE v BROADBEACH 2pm Hickey Park
If there was one team that made the competition sit up and take notice last week it was Wilston Grange kicking the highest score of the round with new acquisitions such as Zimmorlei Farquharson kicking six goals and young Keleejay Bigham having an outstanding first hit-out. The Gorillas have shored up an already talented roster in order to make a deeper run into the finals this season. Speaking of new, Broadbeach made their QAFLW debut against the reigning premier Southport last week and discovered quickly what is required. However, ‘green shoots’ were evident and the scoreboard didn’t totally reflect the ball movement and scoring chances that were created by the newbies. This may well be another learning curve against quality opposition, but the experience will be valuable and a win won’t be too far away.