History was made at Leyshon Park by the University of Queensland as they soared to a 95 – 55 win against Bond University in the QAFLW Grand Final.
And Dakota Davidson added to her growing silver collection by claiming the Best on Ground award in her second premiership of the year, following her AFLW triumph with the Lions.
The win breaks a 37-year premiership drought for UQ, who claimed the Club’s first ever womens’ title on Sunday.
Unsurprisingly, the champion team was bolstered by the likes of Davison, Bre Koenen, Greta Bodey, Nat Grider and Maria Moloney, who faced a formidable opponent in Lions premiership team mate Taylor Smith.
Given our Lions girls entered the QAFLW at the season’s halfway point, Vice Captain Koenen said it was empowering to come into a side with existing leaders which allowed the AFLW players to come in and simply play their role.
But, she said the team knew their experience could only help the young side, most of whom had not yet played in a finals campaign.
“Having a bit more experience around the group and trying to drive those professional standards on and off the field was a focus of mine,” said Koenen.
Koenen said amidst the experienced side, UQ possess an exciting group of young guns taking the QAFW by storm already.
“We’ve got a few young guns in Ava Seton - she just puts her head over it and wins her own footy at only 15 years old, and then there’s the likes of Luka Yoshida-Martin as well in the forward line - she’s one of the most polished, young users of the football I’ve seen.”
The Match
2021’s QAFLW Grand Final packed as much punch as expected, with AFLW talent spread across both sides from both the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns.
A driven Gold Coast side left UQ trailing at half time, with UQ Head Coach Ross Clayfield admitting his team began slowly.
But, it didn’t take long for our pride of Lions to let their finals experience shine as Koenen kicked a goal after half time that would set up her varsity side’s claw back.
In pristine winter conditions, a real treat for our AFLW girls who are accustomed to playing in sweltering heat, UQ continued their domination of the Southern side in a spectacular showing of community football.
Proud Lions at Leyshon Park
It comes as no surprise to Lions fans that star key forward Dakota Davidson was named Best on Ground with a four-goal and 18-disposals performance.
Greta Bodey followed closely with two goals and 5 behinds, while Nat Grider collected 10 disposals.
Coach Clayfield was beaming with compliments for our girls, saying at the start of the season he didn’t believe the win was possible, but a focus on good culture and people was the winning addition to the equation.
“Daks was phenomenal, Bre Koenen was awesome, Maria Moloney worked her way into the game and some of her work around the stoppages that often goes unnoticed was incredible,” said Clayfield.
“I know that sound’s really corny but I feel like that’s what’s really brought the group together and got us the win today.”
