Queensland’s new female football competition kicks off this weekend, launching a new era for the state.
The seven-team QWAFL, consisting of Coolangatta-Tweed, Coorparoo, University of Queensland, Yeronga, Zillmere, Wilston Grange and Griffith Moorooka, sees the top female teams in the state battle it out for supremacy.
Griffith Moorooka Reds and Zillmere Eagles will kick off the season, at Alexander Park on Saturday April 26.
The Reds played in last year’s division two grand final, while the Eagles were preliminary finalists in the SEQAFL Division One and the game should be an interesting litmus test for the home side.
Zillmere have a new coach in Jacob Simmons-Bliss and will be a hard side to beat, having been in contention the past two years.
New women’s team Coolangatta-Tweed hosts UQ at Peak Oval on April 26 as well, in a match that gives the Uni side a chance to show their improvement in their second season in the competition.
The Red Lionesses managed two wins in 2013, but have recruited strongly in the off-season and will be keen to start on a positive note.
Sunday sees a standalone grand final rematch, between Coorparoo and Yeronga, at Giffin Park.
The Roos ended Yeronga’s shot at a third straight premiership last season, kicking the winning goal in the dying seconds, so there’ll be plenty at stake in their round one clash.
Wilston Grange will wait a week to debut in the QWAFL competition, with a first round bye.
QWAFL Tips
Michael Conlan – AFLQ CEO
UQ
Yeronga
Griffith Moorooka
Lisa McKoy – AFLQ Media Manager
Coolangatta
Yeronga
Zillmere
Simon Devine – AFLQ Competition Manager
UQ
Coorparoo
Griffith Moorooka
Breeanna Brock – AFLQ Female Programs Co-ordinator
Coolangatta
Coorparoo
Zillmere
Jack Barry – AFLQ State Coaching, Volunteer & Affiliates Manager
Coolangatta
Coorparoo
Griffith Moorooka
Craig Millar – AFLQ Football Operations Manager
Coolangatta
Coorparoo
Zillmere
Beth Newman – AFLQ Community Football Writer
UQ
Coorparoo
Zillmere
