Week two of Queensland’s premier female competition sees UQ, Coolangatta and Yeronga with a win apiece and Coorparoo, Wilston Grange and Zillmere keen to get some points on the board.
Four teams line up under lights at Wilston Grange on Saturday in the season’s first double-header.
QWAFL writer Jess Stewart QAFL will be live blogging via aflq-new.fspdev.com with special comments from QAFL scribe Andrew Wiles.
Match of the Round
Zillmere Eagles vs. University of Queensland Red Lionesses
Expect an exciting game; Zillmere looking to register their first win of the season and UQ wanting to follow on from their perfect start.
The Red Lionesses were extremely efficient going forward against Coorparoo last week, hitting targets with accurate kicking. Zillmere went forward plenty against Cooly, but weren’t able to capitalize on the scoreboard.
Can UQ adapt to the long and wide field? Or will Zillmere will use it to their advantage.
Where & When: O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere @ 4:45pm, Saturday April 30
Last time they met: Round 18, 2015 – UQ defeated Zillmere by 3 points
Key match up: Ally Anderson (Zillmere) v Breanna Koenan (UQ) is a direct midfield matchup, with both girls playing pivotal roles in their teams. Breanna Koenan is an outside player, who has a penetrating kick and is lethal going forward. Ally Anderson is a ball magnet and provides significant leadership on the field. Both teams will need to shut down the opposite player if they are any chance at getting the win.
Coach’s Thoughts: Jacob Simmons-Bliss, Zillmere Coach
“We came close to executing what we wanted to last week, which was a good beginning, but we need to make sure that we are delivering on those non-negotiables for 80 minutes.”
“If everyone fulfills their role, we can shut down majority of their team, just by our players winning their one-on-ones, which goes a long way in being successful”
“We will be mindful of some of their elite players; we have some triggers to pull if we need to, but our message to our players is know your role, accept your role and execute your role.”
Prediction: UQ by 7 points
The Double-Header:
- Wilston Grange v Coolangatta Tweed
Wilston Grange endured a tough start to their 2016 season and playing Coolangatta will be no easier. However, they are still developing and are slowly working towards being a cohesive and competitive side.
Coolangatta will be wanting to taking a two-from-two run back to the coast, but should not see this game as a walk in the park.
Wilston Grange will be looking to bounce back and continue putting their structures in place and it would not be surprising if they make significant impact throughout the game.
Coolangatta need to switch on early, with their first two quarters last week extremely scrappy.
Follow updates throughout the match, in a double-header live blog starting at 4:30pm.
Where & When: Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange @ 4:45pm, Saturday April 30
Last time they met: Round 16, 2015 – Coolangatta defeated Wilston Grange by 114 points
Key matchup: Selina Goodman (Coolangatta) v Tahlia Randall (Wilston Grange). It’s a battle of the talls, and whether it will be in the ruck or in a key forward or defence position, there is no doubt that these two will line up against each other at some point in the game. Randall has the X-Factor that Wilston Grange needs, but Selina Goodman has the ability to make it very difficult for Tahlia overhead.
Coach’s Thoughts: Marcus McDonald-Camden, Wilston Grange Coach
“We got a bit flustered last week, with how fast Yeronga move the ball.” If we build that communication, that vibe, we will change our mindset and think about what we can do next; let’s impact the next contest.”
“Coolangatta is strong across the park and are strong finals contenders.”
“Our aim is to go out there and worry about ourselves- making sure we stick to our structures, and keep working towards what we want to achieve and hopefully we give it a red hot crack.”
Prediction: Coolangatta by 34 points
- Yeronga v Coorparoo
These two have always had physical contests, so expect it to be no different on Saturday.
Yeronga will look to continue their impressive start to 2016, while Coorparoo will want to bounce back from last week’s confronting loss to UQ.
Coorparoo are back to phase one of developing their list, putting structures in place and growing together as a side.
Yeronga were inefficient in front of goal last week, something that will need to be rectified going forward.
Follow updates throughout the match, in a double-header live blog starting at 4:30pm.
Where & When: Bendigo Bank Oval, Wilston Grange @ 6:45pm, Saturday April 30
Last time they met: Preliminary Final, 2015 – Coorparoo defeated Yeronga by 48 points
Key matchup: Annameika Mole (Coorparoo) v Jordan Zanchetta (Yeronga). Both girls gathered plenty of touches in their games last week and were key attackers when sending the ball forward. They are both relatively small and bring physicality when searching for the ball. They may not line up against each other directly, but they will play similar roles for their respective teams on Saturday.
Prediction: Yeronga by 21 points
By QWAFL writer Jessica Stewart
Twitter: @Jess_Stewart16
