In a gripping Round 5 encounter of the 2025 Bond University QAFLW, the Morningside Panthers secured a narrow, four-point victory over the Coorparoo Kings, marking a significant milestone in their inaugural season at the state league level.
Final Score:
Morningside: 3.1 (19)
Coorparoo: 2.3 (15)
Venue: Giffin Park, Coorparoo
Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025
The match, dubbed the ‘War of Wynnum Road,’ was contested under challenging wet and blustery conditions, which played a significant role in the low-scoring affair. Both teams struggled to maintain possession, resulting in a combined total of just 278 disposals—the lowest recorded in a Bond University QAFLW match to date.
Morningside’s forward Lucy Bellinger emerged as the hero, delivering two crucial set shots that ultimately decided the game’s outcome. Her first goal came from a free kick in the left pocket, navigating a 30-metre shot into the wind. The second, a remarkable 35-metre set shot from the right boundary, extended the Panthers’ lead in the third quarter.
Coorparoo’s Chelsea Chesterfield kept the Kings in contention, scoring two goals, including one early in the final quarter that narrowed the margin to five points. Despite a late surge, the Kings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, with Jenae Govan’s challenging chip shot veering left of the goal.
Defensively, Morningside’s halfback Gracie Roy stood out with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks, effectively disrupting Coorparoo’s advances. Ruck Teresa Dixon was dominant in the air, recording 47 hit-outs—just four shy of the competition record.
The victory propels Morningside alongside Southport as the only teams to win their first five matches in the 2025 season. A win against Maroochydore in their next outing would set a new competition record. Additionally, Morningside’s Reserves team triumphed 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7), marking a perfect ten wins across both grades to start the season.
Coorparoo, despite the loss, maintains the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 65 points over five rounds. They will look to rebound in their upcoming match against reigning premiers Southport.
For fans who missed the live action, the full match replay is available below:
FULL MATCH | Coorparoo vs. Morningside – Round 5 QAFLW
This hard-fought victory not only cements Morningside’s strong start in the QAFLW but also adds a thrilling chapter to the burgeoning rivalry between these two clubs.
Published 14-May-2025
