The QWAFL minor premiership might have been sealed before the final regular round, but the battle to avoid the wooden spoon went to the death, and it was the UQ Red Lionesses to puled themselves off the bottom of the ladder, with a win over Griffith Moorooka.
Having gone down to the Reds in their previous two clashes, the red Lionesses had a slow start in the match, trailing by 14 points at quarter time, before an inspired comeback led to a 7.6 (48) – 4.5 (29) win.
Red Lionesses had the perfect start to the second quarter after losing key player Anna O’Keeffe early in the match, with Marnie McGorm and Clare Findlay adding superb goals to their individual highlights reels.
McGorm was one of the Red Lionesses’ best, finishing with four goals, while consistent performer, Bre Koenen was ferocious in the contests and Chantal Beaudin was sensational in her return from the International Cup.
Red Lionesses coach, Michael Swann, said it was a brilliant conclusion to the season.
“it was a great way to finish off the season for us,” he said.
“The girls were able to really start to implement everything that we’ve been working on.”
Griffith Moorooka’s Sam Virgo battled hard for the Reds and was their best in the thrilling contest.
Coorparoo kept their 2014 momentum going with a 23.14 (152) – 3.3 (21) win over Wilston grange.
The Navy Roos held Grange goalless in the first half, kicking 14 of their own, before a tighter second half.
The defending premiers already had the minor premiership sewn up heading into the match, but they didn’t lack any motivation in the clinical display.
Sally young was the best for the navy Roos in the midfield, while captain, Emma Zielke booted five goals, taking her to equal second in the league’s goal kicking.
Coorparoo coach, Damien Richards, was pleased with the run and carry play his team showed.
Katie McGlade kicked three goals for the Gorillas, while Amy Kelly had an impressive performance.
Gorillas coach, Ron kemp, said his side lacked accountability in their defensive half.
“We were completely outplayed because we were not accountable from the beginning,” he said.
They used the ball much cleaner than us.”
Zillmere will take some winning form into their first final next weekend, after defeating Coolangatta 15.8 (98) – 3.1 (19)
Monica Allen kicked six for the Eagles, who finished second on the ladder, while Cassi Bell was also impressive.
Eagles coach, Jacob Simmons-Bliss, said the win was he perfect preparation for finals.
“We produced a comprehensive four quarter effort which was compounded by a very convincing 70 point second half, ”he said.
“We strictly applied our game plan and we were able to deliver the sort of performance that will serve us well heading into finals.”
Coorparoo will host Zillmere in the major semi-final this weekend, as they vie for a spot in the grand final, while Yeronga and Wilston Grange will fight it out to keep their seasons alive.
