This is the year for Yeronga to make their way back to the top.
Successful off-season recruiting will boost an already talented list and provide the depth this team needs to make a grand final.
Big inclusions for the Devils are Kate McCarthy and Danielle Wall, who showed great form for the Brisbane Lions in Saturday night’s Gabba clash against the Gold Coast SUNS,
Griffith Moorooka recruits Sam Virgo and Jenna Vandyk will also add the experience and leadership needed to take this team through to a successful finals campaign.
Sam Virgo will play a crucial role at Yeronga; expect her to take her game to the next level, right in time for the planned 2017 AFL National Women’s Competition.
Yeronga has also added Bernie Cantrell and full forward, turned mentor, Glenn Hodgetts to the coaching panel, with the pair set to add experience and expert tuition.
Despite picking Yeronga to finish second on the ladder, I’m predicting they will be the team holding up the premiership cup come grand final day.
Round 4 is the week Yeronga take on Coolangatta in a match I think will set the benchmark for the remainder of the 2016 QWAFL season.
2015 – Past Season Stats
Ladder Position: 3rd
Wins: 11
Losses: 5
Best & Fairest: Emily Bates
2016 – Key Predictions:
Ladder Position: 2nd
Rising Star: Courteney Bromage. The talented young footballer should make a name for herself this year. The U18 Queensland Youth Girls representative transitions from youth girls football to the QWAFL and joins a highly Yeronga team. The 2015 U17 Youth Girls Brisbane Juniors Best and Fairest Winner will bring a certain physicality to her new side, no doubt creating challenges for opposition players. It will be interesting to see how she will play alongside Emily Bates and Jordan Zanchetta through the midfield and wing. Watch out for Bromage this year, especially her lethal kick.
Key Changes:
Bernie Cantrell (QWAFL Senior Assistant Coach)
Glenn Hodgetts (QWAFL Forward Line Coach)
Sam Virgo, Jenna Vandyk (Griffith Moorooka)
Kate McCarthy (Coolangatta)
Danielle Wall (Dalby Swans)
Kaitlyn Cantrell (Coorparoo)
Courteney Bromage, Jess Watts (Youth Girls)
2016 – From the Coach
Scott Stephens
Who are the top 3 players to watch in your team?
Emily Bates, Jordan Zanchetta & Sam Virgo
Which 2 teams will be playing in the 2016 QWAFL Grand Final?
Too early to predict!
Who’s your predication for 2016 QWAFL Best & Fairest Winner?
Sam Virgo (Yeronga) or Jordan Membrey (Coolangatta) – Perhaps another tied medal count
What’s your best piece of coaching advice/favourite coaching quote?
“Work hard when we have the ball – work even harder when we haven’t got it.”
By QWAFL writer Jessica Stewart
Twitter: @Jess_Stewart16
