Coolangatta faces a challenge down at Peak Oval, when they take on Yeronga in Round 14 of the QWAFL.
The Bluebirds are two games out of the top four and an upset win over the Devils would keep their finals chances alive, but Yeronga also has plenty at stake, with a win putting them in top two contention.
Wilston Grange’s task isn’t much easier than Coolangatta’s, as they host the Zillmere Eagles in their match.
The Gorillas have been inconsistent this season, but have shown glimpses and will be hoping to push the Eagles on their home deck.
Coorparoo will be hoping to keep their spot a game clear on top of the ladder as they face UQ on Sunday.
UQ are coming off a disappointing loss to Griffith Moorooka last weekend and will be looking to be competitive.
If the rain forecast for the weekend eventuates, the Red Lionesses could certainly push the Navy Roos.
Griffith Moorooka has the bye.
QWAFA Semi-Finals Preview
By Grant Hitzman
University of Queensland (3) v Western Magpies (4)
Sat 16 August 9:00am
University of Queensland and Western Magpies will clash this week in a do or die Semi-Final showdown at Rob Akers Reserve.
The Red Lionesses have experienced an up and down season, struggling against the top two teams, Caboolture and Zillmere, but have evened the ledger by producing impressive results against Ipswich and Western Magpies.
Despite finishing the season just 5-5, one thing that can be said about the Red Lionesses is that they are a gutsy football club.
Down at three quarter time against the Ipswich Cats in Round 9, the UQ girls rallied to win against the odds by 1-point and keep their season alive. Again, in Round 12, against this week’s opponents, Western Magpies, the Red Lionesses were down in the fourth quarter and looked out of it, but found a second wind in the last five minutes to win by 1-point for the second time in a month.
The Red Lionesses will head into the game with the psychological advantage over the Magpies, winning both games in Round 2 and 12 this season. The Magpies won’t be too discouraged heading into the clash on Saturday however, proving that they can challenge any club on their day.
Three beltings against the Ipswich Cats set a good foundation for the Magpies during 2014 and a superb 2-point win over heavily favoured Zillmere in Round 6 demonstrated the girls abilities to challenge the best clubs in the QWAFA.
UQ will also have to contest with Sherie Sayle and Rachael Milns on the day, who sit 2nd and 3rd in the leading goal kicker race.
On a neutral ground, the game is definitely up for grabs between two even clubs.
Caboolture (1) v Zillmere (2)
Sat 16 August 4:45pm: Alexander Park
Caboolture and Zillmere will clash this week in a top of the table matchup that will reward the victor a guaranteed place in the 2014 QWAFA Grand Final.
With so much on the line, both clubs will be desperate to capitalise on their already impressive seasons to earn a huge advantage for the last Sunday in August.
Caboolture have been the benchmark of the competition in 2014, finishing the year with a convincing 10-1 record to claim the QWAFA minor premiership by 10-points.
The Lions have proved to be the best defensive team in the competition also, conceding 260-points less than the next best defensive outfit in the league.
Player-coach, Monique Lepri, has been outstanding for Caboolture and has led from the front, booting 33 goals in just 11 outings, fifteen more than the next best in the competition.
Not to be outdone, Zillmere have also had a very impressive year, finishing with an 8-3 record to be the clear second best team in the competition. Five wins on the trot to close out the year, including a 132-point capitulation of UQ last week, has given the Eagles bucket loads of momentum heading into the finals.
Zillmere and Caboolture have met three times in 2014, with the Lions leading the head-to-head 2-1. The Lions downed the Eagles by 31-points in Round 3 and again in Round 7 by 112-points, but Zillmere got the better of the competition favourites in Round 12 by 25-points to hand Caboolture their only loss of the season.
Heading into this weeks game at Alexander Park, Caboolture’s dominance in 2014 will see them start deserved favourites, however, Zillmere are not to be counted out, coming into form at the perfect time of the season.
Brisbane is also set for a month’s worth of rain on the weekend and the wet conditions could play a significant part in the final result. Expect a hard-fought game of football against two ultra competitive clubs.
