Southport beat the University of Queensland in both grades at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.
Seniors
The Seniors defeated last year’s premiers UQ in the “Grand Final Re-Match” by a comprehensive 89 points.
Southport got off to a flyer kicking four goals to one in the first quarter and was able to go on with it winning 15.10 (100) to 1.5 (11).
After the match, Southport QAFLW Senior Coach Peter Doherty said, “It was a great way to start the season.”
“To see the girls put forward a four-quarter display like that and stick to the gameplan was pleasing.”
Jess Maher was outstanding on her debut with her pace, Georgia Breward was at her usual best in the midfield, and Lilly Pearce was solid in the ruck.
Doherty said, “It was a great team win, and we look forward to continuing the momentum for our first home game of the year against Wilston Grange, who also won in Round 1.”
The QAFLW Seniors game between Southport and Wilston Grange will be played at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday at 2:00pm.
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND 1.0 1.3 1.4 1.5 (11)SOUTHPORT 4.4 7.5 12.8 15.10 (100)
Goal Kickers: Poppy Boltz 3, Darcie Davies 2, Tayla Gregory, Jess Malouf, Ruby Mitchell, Georgia Breward, Maggie O’Connell, Carly Remmos, Meghan Sullivan
Best Players: Jess Maher, Georgia Breward, Lilly Pearce, Tayla Gregory, Ruby Mitchell, Sarah Ingram.
Reserves
In the Reserves, which was played after the Seniors, the Sharks also dominated UQ winning by 65 points.
The reigning QAFLW Reserves Premiers were at their ruthless best in the 10.8 (68) to 0.3 (3) victory.
After the match, Southport QAFLW Reserves Coach Mal Smith said, “The girls played really well, and we had a number of girls put their hand up for senior football, which is great.”
Leigh Alder, who is coming back from injury, led the way down back, and Kialla-Skye Bailey, who was terrific in the midfield, were a couple of the players that put their hand up for senior selection.
Smith said, “Overall, though, what I was most happy with is how well the team gelled together. We had eight new players, so to see everyone get around each other and play the way they did was awesome.”
“The next challenge is to try and back it up against Wilston Grange at home this week.”
The QAFLW Reserves game between Southport and Wilston Grange will be played at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday at 12:00pm. The game is free to attend.
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 (3)SOUTHPORT 2.3 5.4 8.7 10.8 (68)
Goal Kickers: Faith Alchin 3, Lillian Behan 3, Grace Parkinson 2, Cheyana Copping, Abby Gain
Best Players: Leigh Alder, Kialla-Sky Bailey, Maddy Baldwin, Victoria Winstanley, Lillian Behan, Danielle Smith.