Coolangatta QAFLW crystal ball: The Bulletin runs the rule over the Bluebirds and makes our 2020 predictions
As the Coolangatta Bluebirds prepare to fight their way back into QAFLW finals, the Bulletin has pulled out our crystal ball and made our predictions for the season ahead. From the surprise packet to the rising star and the game you have to watch, we cover it all in our season preview.
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As the Coolangatta Bluebirds prepare to fight their way back into QAFLW finals, the Bulletin has pulled out our crystal ball and made our predictions for the season ahead. From the surprise packet to the rising star and the game you have to watch, we cover it all in our season preview.
Overview
Coach: Nicole Graves
Captains: Emily Otto and Alex Hamlyn
2019 Review: The Bluebirds started 2019 with a bang, winning three of their first four matches, including a 70 point thumping of the University of Queensland, only to fade as the season went on and add only four more victories to their season tally of seven. Several serious injuries undoubtedly took their toll but Coolangatta remained until the finals race until very late in the season. They finished 6th overall, one win and a few percentage points outside of the top four.
2020 opponents: Bond (a), Aspley (h), Yeronga (h), Maroochydore (h), Wilston Grange (h), Bond (h), Coorparoo (a), Maroochydore (a), Yeronga South Brisbane (a), Bond (h), University of Queensland (a), Aspley Hornets (a), Wilston Grange (a), Yeronga South Brisbane (a), Coorparoo (h), University of Queensland (h).
Star recruits:
Maggie Riley: The former Lismore Swans captain took out the 2019 club best and fairest and joins the Bluebirds alongside teammate Bec Brooks. Expect the midfielder to shine after making the step up from the QWFANR.
Ahlani Eddy: Having crossed paths with current AFLW athletes Alyce Parker, Mia King, and Georgia Breward, Eddy is ready to make her mark at Queensland’s highest level. The former U18 National Championships Under 18 Eastern Allies representative joins the club from the Sawtell Toormina Saints.
Casey Samuels: A former WNBL basketballer, Samuels has huge upside as a project player. She’s only been in the game six months and should feature prominently in the ruck with her impressive leap.
Whitney Knight: A former W-League soccer player, Knight made her debut for the Melbourne Victory at age 15. Knight has trialled for the Suns in the past and her dad Denis won six VFL premierships and another four as a coach.
Rising Star: Madeleine Reisigner played 11 games for Surfers Paradise in QFAW division 2 last year and had a massive say in the Demons 2019 premiership. Now the strong-bodied midfielder will get the chance to shine on the QAFLW stage. With an elite tank and skills to boast, Reisigner has also shown on field leadership as a young player.
Surprise Packet: Faith Alchin is still a teenager but has a lot to give at QAFLW level. The former Palm Beach Currumbin U17 product is currently in the Suns’ academy and is expected to make the jump between levels with ease. A key position player who the club is excited to develop in her first year of senior football.
COOLANGATTA SHOW EARLY SIGNS OF QAFLW DOMINANCE
Watch it: The Bluebirds play Bond three times throughout the QAFLW season but we’re earmarking their Round 10 clash as one to watch. For Coolangatta, the match comes after three weeks of challenging away fixtures against Coorparoo, Maroochydore, and Yeronga. There’s always a bit of extra fire to Coast Clashes and we reckon both teams will have their game plans and structures firmly in place by May. Both sides could also be bolstered by their AFLW listed playing contingent at this point in the season which could add some extra spice.
You heard it here first…the headline you’ll see this QAFLW season: Safe and sound at home: Coolangatta get off to a blistering start, winning four out of five in early season stretch at Eximm Oval
I hope not…the headline you won’t see this QAFLW season: Cooly casualty ward: Injury ruins Bluebirds season for second straight season
2020 prediction: After making finals in 2018 and only just missing out the following year, everything is in place for Coolangatta to return to the pointy end of the year. They boast a stack of talent, including a killer backline which saw both Selina Priest and Alex Hamlyn named in the 2019 QAFLW team of the year. We’re tipping them to make finals under newly appointed coach Nicole Graves.
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