On Sunday, 25 August 2024, the Southport Sharks played Bond University in the QAFLW Seniors and QAFLW Reserves Grand Finals at People First Stadium. Read the match reports below:
Seniors
Southport have won their maiden QAFLW Seniors Premiership after defeating Bond University by 35 points, winning 8.6 (54) to 3.1 (19)
Bond University scored the first goal of the game through former Brisbane Lion and Gold Coast Suns AFLW player Leah Kasler.
Southport’s leading goal kicker for season 2024, Maddy Baldwin, kicked the next goal, which put the Sharks in front by two points.
Three minutes later, Kasler slotted her second goal of the game to put Bond University back in front.
Just as it looked like Bond would be leading at quarter time, Baldwin scored a goal late in the term to give the Sharks a two point lead at the first change.
Southport made the most of having the breeze in the second quarter, with young guns Alannah Welsh and Georja Davies kicking a goal each, whilst Bond only scored one major for the term.
Leading by ten points at half time, the Sharks knew they needed to defend well in the third term whilst Bond had the breeze.
Not only were Southport able to keep Bond scoreless in the third quarter, Dekota Baron and Tayla Gregory kicked their first goals of the afternoon to extend the Sharks lead to 22 points at the last change.
In the final term, Dekota Baron and Alannah Welsh kicked their second and third goals respectively, whilst Bond was kept scoreless.
Southport’s defence was led by Kaylee Kimber, who was awarded the best on ground medal for her exceptional intercept marking for the Sharks.
After the game, Southport Coach Peter Doherty said, “It’s difficult to put into words how proud I am of the girls I am.”
“Our players are fearless, and the way they attack the game is incredible. I thought they showcased that today against a quality Bond outfit.”
“It’s a historic day for our football club, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to our women’s program since its inception five years ago.
“Today doesn’t happen without the buy-in from so many people, from players to coaches and staff, and they should all be extremely proud of what we have achieved.”
Southport v Bond University – Sunday 25 August, People First Stadium, 2:30pm
SOUTHPORT 2.3 4.5 6.5 8.6 (54)
BOND UNIVERSITY 2.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 (19)
GOALS: Alannah Welsh 3, Maddy Baldwin 2, Dekota Baron, Tayla Gregory, Georja Davies
BEST PLAYERS: Kaylee Kimber, Rianna Schipp, Georja Davies, Maighan Fogas, Kierra Zerafa, Ebony Milne
Reserves
Southport defeated Bond University by 20 points to secure their second QAFLW Reserves Premiership, winning 7.5 (47) to 3.9 (27).
Alicia Gordon kicked the only goal of the first quarter to give the Sharks a six point advantage at quarter time.
Bond had the breeze in the second quarter and cut Southport’s lead to two points at half time.
In the third quarter, Southport opened the game up with three majors to zero to lead by 21 points at the last change.
The Sharks extended their lead to 32 points in the last quarter before Bond kicked the last two goals of the game.
Southport midfielder Mikayla Nurse was awarded the best on the ground, but it was a whole team effort that contributed to the victory.
After the game Southport Coach Mal Smith said, “It was an even and tough first half, but our girls stood up in the third quarter.”
“At half time, we as coaches said to the girls that what happens in this third quarter dictates the game, and wow, didn’t they respond.”
“I’m super proud of the girls. They deserve this! They’ve all stuck together this season and worked so hard. I’m just ecstatic for them.”
Southport v Bond University – Sunday 25 August, People First Stadium, 12pm
SOUTHPORT 1.2 2.3 5.5 7.5 (47)
BOND UNIVERSITY 0.2 1.7 1.8 3.9 (27)
GOALS: Lilly-Ann Ryder 2, Scarlett Featherstone 2, Sunny Lappin, Alicia Gordon, Elizabeth Hills
BEST PLAYERS: Mikayla Nurse, Serina Balanda, Holly Wall, Lilly-Ann Ryder, Aasha Elliott, Jess Maher