Image: Ben Grimes
Morningside has inflicted a rare defeat on Southport at Fankhauser Reserve and reversed a recent losing streak against the Sharks in a one-point thriller headlining round two of Bond University QAFLW.
The reigning premier will be ruing a wayward first quarter where they could only manage five behinds while keeping the Panthers scoreless in windy conditions. Giselle Davies eventually found the middle of the big sticks early in the second, but a late goal to Morningside's Courtney McDonnell proved valuable and the the margin was three points at half-time.
The Panthers then scored the only goal of the third through Emma McNaughton to have the visitors in front at the last change with an upset on the cards.
The lead changed again early in the final quarter when Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster kicked truly. However, five minutes later following a great piece of play by Laura Roy (game high 20 possessions and eight clearances), the ball ended up in Morningside's goal square. The Sharks defenders were unable to clear the danger and prized recruit Kaitlyn Day grabbed the ball and put the visitors in front from close range.
Southport tried valiantly to wrest back the lead with a couple of chances including Kiara Hillier's kick on the run late in the game which just went the wrong side of the goal post. Following a number of stoppages the siren sounded and the visitors and their big band of supporters celebrated wildly as the three losses last year - including the grand final - was swept aside in the 3.3.(21) to 2.8.(20) victory.
Heading into the match we wondered if the Panthers would close the gap on Southport which seemed like a chasm last year and this result will shake up the competition. It was a total team effort by the visitors and sure the coaching staff would be reluctant to highlight individual players of which there were many.
For Southport, no doubt Olivia Meagher was sorely missed on the forward line as were those opportunities in the first quarter as the Sharks had enough possession with plus differential of 54 handballs and 11 more inside 50s.
Coorparoo had to overcome a much-improved Aspley at Giffin Park before running out winners by just 12 points. Following an even first quarter, The Kings broke the game open and set up the victory with three unanswered goals in the second. Grace Roberts-White cleverly roved the ball from a boundary throw-in and bounced one through from 40 metres early in the term. Just before half-time Sarah Perkins' long kick put Carly Hess into space who duly soccered the ball through from the goal square, then Charlotte Millen's goal quickly followed to have the margin 17 points at half-time.
Aspley kicked their first two goals of the match in the third quarter, but Coorparoo matched that effort and looked set for a comfortable victory. The Hornets though kept their chances alive with a tremendous long range effort from Ella Smith to bring up her second early in the last quarter and the Kings were forced to survive some nervous moments till the end.
University of Queensland came from behind to down Maroochydore by 7 points 9.8.(68) to 7.13.(55) at UQ fields (Base Architecture Meadows). The Roos could have had a bigger lead at quarter-time but only managed 2.6 with University only 1.3.
The visitor’s inaccuracy continued for the next two quarters and at the last change the Roos held a one goal advantage having had five more scoring shots. The Red Lionesses though leapt into action with goals to Tiana Anderson then Edie McCabe kicked a brace before Monique Piunti's long-range effort bounced through to seal the deal.
Despite the defeats, Maroochydore would be encouraged that they have been able to put scores on the board away and play at home for the first time this season next weekend.
In the remaining two matches Bond University were too strong away at Moreton Bay with a comfortable 74-point victory. Key forward Kendra Blattman among the goals again with three along with Charlotte Taylor grabbing three also, as the key playmakers, Maisy Evans, Shannon Nolan, Evy Reeves and Annabel Lynch showed their class in the quality team effort.
There were celebrations though for Moreton Bay as late in the third quarter Eva Steers kicked the first goal of the season for the home team. Although that was their only score the Lions toughed it out against a quality opponent. Co-coach Jess Davy led from the front with Arden Quilliam, Tahlia Benson and Imogen Foxchaffer (10 tackles), but the Bull Sharks were completely dominant especially in the forward half.
For the second successive week the highest score of the round and kicking over 100 points was scored by Wilston Grange on home turf as they were too slick for newcomers Broadbeach.
Also for consecutive weeks, new recruit and former Brisbane Lion and Western Bulldog Zimmorlei Farquharson starred in front of the big sticks with six goals. Summer Hamilton kicked four majors and Tshinta Kendall with three for the second week in a row as well.
Kaiya Hides, Siobhan Senior, Keeleyjay Bingham and Zimra Hussain on top of the stats sheet. Stormie Holub-Huttunen the solitary scorer for the Cats as Riley Perrett, Jasmine single and Mikayla Sekac tried hard.
So after two rounds there are four undefeated teams, but next week finals arrive early with those four involved in matches against each other. Bond University host Coorparoo and Wilston Grange are at home again taking on Morningside.