WA fall just short in thrilling AFLW National U18 Girls clash against QueenslandSunday, June 22, 2025 - 11:52 AM - by Jordan McArdle

Western Australia suffered a heart-breaking three-point loss to Queensland in their opening Marsh AFL National U18 Girls Championship clash in Melbourne.

The Black Swans went down 9.5 (59) to 8.8 (56) to fast-finishing Maroons, who came back from 28 points down late in the second term snatch it with a goal with the final kick of the game.

Swan Districts draft prospect Carys D’Addario led the way in the midfield, racking up a game-high 29 disposals to go with five clearances and a goal.

West Perth gun and WA co-captain Mia Russo (25 and four clearances) was also instrumental in the engine-room, driving the ball with class by foot inside 50 and creating plenty of scoring opportunities.

Fellow co-captain Olivia Crane of Subiaco had some big moments late, as did half-forward Layla Quinn-Schofield and bottom-ager Lexi Strachan who were lively all day.

Subiaco key forward Olivia Wolmarans continued to put her name in lights as a top-five draft fancy, booting two goals and having a hand in several others.

WA had 13 of the first 14 inside 50s of the match, dominating the midfield battle with Claremont ball magnet Juliet Kelly, D’Addario, Russo and co-captain Renee Morgan all busy.

The Black Swans booted three of the first four majors with D’Addario, East Fremantle’s Alicia Blizard and Falcons young gun Strachan all hitting the scoreboard.

Queensland were efficient going forward, kicking 2.0 from four entries in the opening term to make the margin just 10 points at quarter-time.

Russo continued her impressive return from injury in the second quarter, delivering a pinpoint pass inside attack to Wolwarans who converted a tough set shot from 45m out.

Wolwarans was also in the thick of it for WA’s next goal, with her handball finding Quinn-Schofield who soccered it through from close range.

Kelly then booted a sensational goal on the run to make it three in as many minutes for WA who were well on top.

As they did in the first, the Maroons hit back late in the second, cutting the margin back to 14 with a goal in the dying seconds of the half.

Queensland started the third quarter strongly as well, winning the midfield battle and converting their chances, with the margin all of a sudden two points.

Blizard and Wolmarans then combined for a much-needed steadier, with Blizard kicking it long from well outside 50m before Wolmarans sprinted 30m and outbodied her opponent to get a boot to it from point-blank range.

Excellent forward pressure from 2026 prospect Avuya Nomlatyu resulted in WA’s next goal, with the East Fremantle product also showcasing her booming left boot with the set shot after a strong tackle earned a holding-the-ball free-kick.

WA had some chances to seal the game in the final quarter before Queensland’s last-gasp winner.

WA’s next assignment is against South Australia at Revo Fitness Stadium next Sunday, June 29.

WA 3.4 6.4 8.5 8.8 (56)

Qld 2.0 4.2 6.4 9.5 (59)

WA goals: O Wolmarans 2, A Blizard, C D’Addario, L Strachan, L Quinn-Schofield, J Kelly, A Nomlatyu

WA best: C D’Addario, M Russo, L Strachan, L Quinn-Schofield, O Wolmarans, J Kelly