Women’s AFL match: Queenslanders
Melbourne nabbed its second-straight win in Sunday’s Women’s AFL match. In an enthralling contest, there’s was plenty of flowing, attacking football, particularly in the first half. The second half was
West Australia’s Chelsea Randall was named the best on ground, with 23 touches, 145 marks and two goals, while former Logan player now based in Victoria, Aasta O’Connor, was the Bulldogs’ best.
The match proved to be a fantastic exhibition of female football, featuring four Queenslanders.
Let’s take a look at how each of our Sunshine State reps went:
TAYLA HARRIS
Playing at Etihad Stadium in an AFL environment at just 17, you could forgive Tayla Harris for being a bit overawed. However, fans needn’t have worried, with the teen looking like a natural on the big stage. Picked at #17 in the draft, she was a major steal for the Dees. Playing her mainly at full-forward, Harris was able to use her exceptional marking abilities to finish off her team’s midfield dominance. She kicked three goals in the match, including one after taking a mark that would rival that of Melbourne specky specialist, Jeremy Howe. Had a run in the ruck as well, but proved far more effective in the attacking zone. Sensational game from the Zillmere Eagle.
STATS: 13 disposals, four marks, five tackles, six hit-outs
EMMA ZIELKE
Zielke is a consistent performer and she played a key role in Melbourne’s win on Sunday. The Queensland captain wasn’t prolific with her ball-winning but significantly, she laid the most tackles of her team, impressive in both attack and defence. The pressure he Dees put on in the middle of the ground stopped the Bulldogs’ momentum and Zielke was a vital part of that. The 26year-old’s cool head under pressure was crucial in the stoppages, helping her side to clear the bell effectively.
STATS: 15 disposals, four marks, six tackles, five clearances, six Inside 50s
LEAH KASLAR
A quieter game for Kaslar than she might normally like. The Coolangatta player ran hard all day but couldn’t find the footy as much as she normally does. Two clearances helped her team, but was probably outshone to an extent by some of Melbourne’s star-studded midfield..
STATS: six disposals, two clearances.
EMILY BATES
The only current Queensland player in Western Bulldogs colours, Bates was consistent for her team. She didn’t get her hands on the ball that often, but when she did, the 18 year-old had an impact. One of the youngest players on the field, Bates played above her years as Queensland has come to expect of her. The Yeronga Devil showed plenty of composure in the match, helping her side’s attacking efforts. In her second year in the exhibition match, Bates will be looking for another crack next year to continue her rise as one of the state’s most promising players.
STATS: Six disposals, three marks, one tackle, two clearances, two Inside 50s, one rebound 50
