Aspley Hornets have reignited their finals campaign with a gutsy seven-point victory over Coorparoo in a Round 15 QAFLW clash that had local fans on the edge of their seats.
Bounce-Back Performance at Graham Road
After a tough loss to Bond University the previous week, Aspley returned to Graham Road with renewed energy and purpose. Up against a Coorparoo outfit fresh from toppling the previously unbeaten Southport, the Hornets faced an uphill battle—yet they delivered in emphatic fashion.
Despite trailing by 14 points at half-time, the Hornets stormed back into contention with a dominant third quarter, kicking four unanswered goals. The Kings clawed one back late in the term to reduce the margin to two points at the final break, setting up a thrilling final stanza.
Seizing the Moment in the Final Quarter
The momentum stayed with the Hornets early in the fourth, with emerging talent Lataya De Pauw calmly slotting a crucial goal to extend the lead to 13 points. Although Coorparoo’s Edie Fraser answered with a late major, the Hornets absorbed the pressure and held firm to secure a 8.1 (49) to 6.6 (42) win.
Aspley’s sharp shooting under pressure proved decisive. The Hornets made the most of their limited forward entries—26 inside-50s to Coorparoo’s 43—by converting their opportunities with clinical precision.
Standout Performers Shine
Aspley’s attacking line was led by Jessica Stallard, who booted three goals and contributed 13 disposals and five marks. Kaitlyn Day added two goals, 18 disposals and five inside-50s. Lataya De Pauw, Lucy Thompson, and Rachel Vetter rounded out the goal scorers.
Midfielder Jesse McMillan was everywhere, racking up 31 disposals, four clearances, six tackles and six inside-50s. Ruck Monique Dufty dominated the contest with 40 hit-outs, 18 disposals, and three clearances. Lucia Liessi also stood out with 20 disposals and seven clearances, while Anna van de Wiel and Holly O’Flaherty made key defensive and midfield contributions.
On the Kings’ side, Grace Roberts-White was a standout with 30 disposals, nine tackles and a goal. Lucy Schneider (17 disposals, four inside-50s) and Edie Fraser (17 disposals, one goal) also made their presence felt. However, the Kings’ poor conversion—particularly from Indiana Scheffler, who finished with 1.4—ultimately cost them.
Finals Race Heats Up
The win keeps Aspley’s finals hopes alive in a top-six format where every point matters. The Hornets now sit just four points clear of University of Queensland, with a superior percentage.
Aspley will host bottom-placed Yeronga South Brisbane in the final round—on paper, a favourable match-up that could seal their spot in the finals. Meanwhile, UQ faces a tougher opponent in Wilston Grange. A slip-up by Aspley could leave the door open, but Thursday’s spirited display shows they’re ready to fight for September.
What’s Next
- Aspley Hornets: Face Yeronga South Brisbane (last on the ladder)
- Coorparoo Kings: Set to regroup ahead of finals after a surprising setback
- Finals Format: Top six teams qualify; Aspley sits sixth with a chance to lock it in
