Meet the leading players in AFL Capricornia senior women’s finals
Minor premiers Rockhampton Panthers take on reigning champs Yeppoon, while Glenmore are up against BITS Saints in the first round of finals this weekend. Meet the players who could decide the results.
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Rockhampton Panthers are steeling for another tight contest when they meet Yeppoon Swans in this weekend’s AFL Capricornia senior women’s qualifying final.
The Panthers won the minor premiership after losing just the one game in the regular season, that being to the Swans in their first meeting.
But in the past two, Panthers took the honours and they’re hoping that’s the case again when they clash at the Rockhampton Cricket Ground at 1.45pm on Saturday.
Panthers’ coach Jesse Johnson said the game would be decided by pressure - which team could best apply it and best handle it.
“Our three games this year against Yeppoon have been pretty close in the scheme of things so I’m expecting another close, hard-fought game,” he said.
“Whoever is on top at the final siren on Saturday gets the advantage of a week off so I know both sides will be pretty keen for that.”
Johnson said his side could not afford any lapses against the two-time reigning champions, who had the ability to score points quickly.
“We need to keep the pressure on for the whole four quarters. You can’t let up, particularly in a final and particularly against Yeppoon.
“The two sides match up pretty well and they’re always pretty physical games.”
The third-placed Glenmore Bulls are on the road for their elimination final on Sunday against BITS Saints in Gladstone.
Glenmore coach Joel Kilpatrick said he was “pretty confident” heading into the do-or-die encounter.
“We’ve had a draw and two wins against them this year, and we’ll have our best team on the park that we could possibly have,” he said.
Glenmore said his experienced players such as skipper Emily Richardson were leading the newer recruits brilliantly.
We identify the players who will have a big say in this weekend’s results.
Rockhampton Panthers
Brooke Vesey (half-back flank)
Controls the backline. Brings a lot of drive and breaks the line with her unbelievably big kick. Tough around the footy when contests need to be won.
Clover Menzies (ruck)
Loves the challenge against bigger and more experienced players. Competes hard for the footy across the ground and never takes a backward step. Will have a key role in containing her opposite Katelyn Lynch on Saturday.
Amy Mill (midfield)
The Panthers’ midfield weapon. A genuine workhorse, she produces four quarters of tough, competitive football every week. Great speed and ability to win contested footy. A three-time North Queensland rep, she brings plenty of experience.
Yeppoon Swans
Katelyn Lynch (ruck/forward)
Very good around the ground, with a strong mark and good kick.
Stacey Anderson (midfield)
Great skills. Elite fitness and supplies great run and carry. Has the ability to open up the ground.
Pip Cox (midfield)
Tough in-and-under midfield with great fitness who can still hurt sides on the outside. Very dangerous around goals.
Glenmore Bulls
Rachel Lawson (midfield)
Super fast with a great overhead mark and a big kick. Does a mountain of work and covers a lot of ground. Strong on the football. Represented North Queensland this year.
Kassie Hooper (full forward)
An all-round talent who possesses a strong mark and an accurate kick. Can manufacture goals out of nothing.
Emily Richardson (ruck rover)
Inspirational captain who has played more than 100 senior games. Experienced and skilful, she leads by example and is one of the hardest workers in the competition.
BITS Saints
Bec Pugh (midfield)
Reads the ball and attacks the footy without fear. Heart and soul of the BITS Saints women’s team.
Danielle Fenwick (centre half-back)
Nothing gets past her, great hands and a long, penetrating kick.
Lou Schultz (back flank)
A see-ball get ball mentality. Fiercely competitive.
Originally published as Meet the leading players in AFL Capricornia senior women’s finals
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