There is no better time than the present for Coolangatta to grasp that premiership cup
The Bluebirds will run out for their first game of the season with eight different players from their 2015 Grand Final side; the noticeable losses being Kate McCarthy and Beth Pinchin.
Despite loosing Pinchin to an ACL injury, Coolangatta will retain her knowledge and leadership, joining current QWAFL coach, Aaron Russell, as an assistant.
Some crucial off-season recruiting resulted in Hannah Sexton and Selina Goodman joining the side, along with inclusion of some talented youth girls players.
Coolangatta must make an impact early and prove why they are top premiership contenders, which I’m confident they will do.
However, keep in mind that with significant ‘ins and outs’, it will take time for the new and current players to gel and find fluency.
Round 4 is a must watch when Coolangatta take on Yeronga. It’s set to be a fast paced contest, where a true premiership favourite will start to emerge.
2015 – Past Season Stats
Ladder Position: 2nd
Wins: 12
Losses: 4
Best & Fairest: Leah Kaslar
2016 – Key Predictions:
Ladder Position: 1st
Rising Star: Arianna Clarke
Clarke has a massive future in AFL Football. With two years remaining to compete at Under 18 Queensland Youth Girls level, the permanent change to QWAFL is definitely going to enhance her game. Clarke kicks off her QWAFL 2016 season one week after her noticeable performance for the Gold Coast SUNS in the Women’s Exhibition Match at the Gabba. She has the poise and composure needed to be future leader, especially at Coolangatta. She will add intensity to contests because of her tenacity to win the ball on the ground and in the air. Watch out for Clarke this year, it will be her chance to show the QWAFL what she’s capable of.
Key Changes:
Beth Pinchin (Key Player in 2015, but suffered an ACL injury – New QWAFL Assistant Coach)
Outs – Kate McCarthy (Yeronga),
Morgan Moroney (stopped playing)
Teena McIlveen (ACL injury)
Indy Sleeth,Jacinta Sleeth (moved to Darwin)
Ins – Alex Hamlyn (Bond University)
Hannah Sexton (Coorparoo)
Selina Goodman (Cairns Tigers)
Emma Aeschlimann (Gladstone Mudcrabs)
Cassie Butler (Manunda Hawks)
Eloise O’Brien (Ainslee)
Courtney Hill (Brisbane Heat)
Ruby Blair, Maddy Coe, Kalinda Howarth, Shae Adams (Youth Girls)
2016 – From the Coach
Aaron Russell
Who are the top 3 players to watch in your team?
Ruby Blair, Alex Hamlyn and Mady Coe
What 2 teams be playing in the 2016 QWAFL Grand Final?
UQ & Yeronga
Who’s your predication for 2016 QWAFL Best & Fairest Winner?
Leah Kaslar (Coolangatta) or Tahlia Randall (Wilston Grange)
What’s your best piece of coaching advice/favourite coaching quote?
“Attitude determines altitude.”
By QWAFL writer Jessica Stewart
Twitter: @Jess_Stewart16
