This week in the QWAFL we get a taste of finals, with Coolangatta (1st) taking on UQ (3rd) and Yeronga (2nd) meeting Zillmere (4th). Coorparoo will host Wilston Grange for a huge clash.
Match of the Round:
Coolangatta v UQ
If the last time these two met it was as close as two points, then it’s anticipated this one is going to come down to wire. Coolangatta have been in hot form, furthering their lead at the top of the ladder. But, some big names are out this week and some for the rest of the season, including the likes of Courtney Hill. It seems Coolangatta can’t catch a break with injury, similar to last year where they lost some keys right before the finals. UQ will be looking to bounce back in style this week, after virtually playing only a half of football last week according to their coach, Damien Richards. They will however be taking a lot of confidence into this match, knowing they have knocked off Cooly before. It’s going to come down to who can get first use of the footy and then follow that up with clean skills and ball movement. UQ too are missing a few keys, so it will be a pretty even match up. It is crucial the Red Lionesses attack early, and put scoreboard pressure on the Bluebirds.
Where & When: Peak Oval, Coolangatta Tweed @ 4:45pm, Saturday August 20
Last time they met: Round 9, 2016- UQ defeated Coolangatta by 2 points
2016 form: Coolangatta (12/14 Wins) UQ (9/14 Wins)
Key match up: Jordan Membrey (Coolangatta) v Laura Stampa (UQ)
Membrey has been in cracking form of late, probably being the most damaging forward over the last couple of weeks. With Jessica Wiggan out, Stampa is going to have the colossal task of taking on Membrey, who has been causing massive headaches for oppositions defenders and coaches. If Stampa can lock Membrey out of the game, it will single handedly give her side the advantage they need in the game to take home the four points.
Prediction: Coolangatta by 3 points.
Coorparoo v Wilston Grange
This game is high stake for both sides, with neither wanting to finish with the wooden spoon. Coorparoo have been battling all year, and have found some excellent form at the back half of the season. Coorparoo are coming off a loss to Coolangatta, where the defensive line was put to the test. Wilston Grange have not been playing their best football of late, but expect them to come out hungry to win this match. Grange came up against Zillmere and were outclassed last week. Coorparoo love playing contested, high pressure footy, whereas Grange love using the ball to run and carry. There’s a lot to play for and there is no doubt the intensity will be high, and bodies will be coming off bruised and battered.
Where & When: Giffin Park, Coorparoo @ 4:45pm, Saturday August 20
Last time they met: Round 11, 2016 – Coorparoo defeated Wilston Grange by 38 points
2016 Form: Coorparoo (1/13 Wins) Wilston Grange (1/13 Wins)
Key match up: Rachel Crack (Coorparoo) v Courtney Daniec (Wilston Grange)
Crack is the type of footballer that will have matched up on nearly every opposition player come the final siren. She’s an absolute workhorse and drives her sides’ tackling pressure from the ground up. Daniec has played a key midfield role for her side throughout the year, and if she plays at her best to goes a long way to showing on the scoreboard. If either girl is impacting the game, it’s going to give their respective side the upper hand.
Prediction: Coorparoo by 7 points.
Zillmere v Yeronga
It’s a massive week for the Eagles, facing the inform Devils who knocked off the third placed UQ last week. Zillmere have two of their biggest names in Tayla Harris and Shaliese Law coming back in this week, after being rested against Wilston Grange. Yeronga have been playing some beautiful football lately, using the ball effectively and focusing on a full team effort. The Eagles will be taking this week as an opportunity to test their game plan and determine if it will work when they reach finals in a couple of weeks. Over the last couple of weeks, the Devils have been focusing on having all six backs working together. They can be such a lethal team going forward, and if their attack manifests from their defence on Saturday they will make it really hard for the Eagles to catch them. It’s critical that the Eagles start strong early and control the game if they are to get the upper hand
Where & When: O’Callaghan Park, Zillmere @ 5:30pm, Saturday August 20
Last time they met: Round 12, 2016- Yeronga defeated Zillmere by 18 points
2016 Form: Zillmere (7/14 Wins) Yeronga (12/14 Wins)
Key match up: Regan Winterbottom (Yeronga) v Ally Anderson (Zillmere)
She’s known by her coach as a ‘terrier’ when searching for the ball on the ground, and Regan Winterbottom has a big task taking ahead of her. She will be taking on one of Zillmere’s best contested ball winners, in Anderson. For Winterbottom, the angrier she gets the better she plays, because she does not like it when her opponent gets the ball. She’s an absolute tackling machine, and loves a good challenge, but Ally Anderson is a powerhouse and has the ability to really impact the game.
Prediction: Yeronga by 5 points.
By Jess Stewart
