CAPALABA Bulldogs’ fairy-tale run in the FQPL 1 Women’s competition has come to an end with Caboolture Sports FC proving too strong in their semi-final showdown over the weekend.
The Bulldogs fought hard but couldn’t contain the attacking strike force of the Snakes, who powered into this Saturday’s Grand Final at Perry Park with a confident 3-0 victory.
It means Caboolture will now square off with Olympic FC in the FQPL 1 Women’s decider, a rematch of the Kappa Pro Series Final just a fortnight ago when Caboolture edged Olympic on penalties.
For Capalaba, the semi-final exit ends a promising campaign in which the side showed managed to achieve promotion to the NPL after finishing second.
While disappointed to fall short of the championship game, the Bulldogs’ young squad will take plenty of confidence from their ability to mix it with the league’s best next season.
What’s ahead – Festival of Football Finals, September 13
Queensland football’s biggest day of the year will unfold this Saturday at Perry Park, with four Grand Finals showcasing the very best of the NPL and FQPL 1 competitions.
Women
- FQPL 1: Olympic FC v Caboolture Sports FC (1:30pm) – Can the Snakes sting Olympic again after their recent Pro Series triumph, or will Olympic find redemption with the season’s biggest prize on the line?
- NPL: Brisbane City FC v Gold Coast Knights (4:30pm) – City survived extra time drama to eliminate Eastern Suburbs, setting up a blockbuster against the Knights.
Men
- FQPL 1: Rochedale Rovers v Magic United (11am) – Mason Cross’ ice-cool Panenka helped Magic through, while Rochedale impressed in their dominant win over Broadbeach. Both sides now eye the silverware.
- NPL: Moreton City Excelsior v Lions FC (7pm) – The Premiers stormed into the Grand Final after overturning an early deficit to beat Eastern Suburbs, while Lions flexed their big-game muscle yet again to see off Peninsula Power.
One Epic Football Celebration
The Grand Finals are the centrepiece of the Mitre Festival of Football, a week-long celebration featuring state team clashes against A-League opposition and representative matches.
But Saturday belongs to the clubs.
From the first whistle at 11am through to the men’s showpiece at 7pm, fans will be treated to back-to-back drama, skill, and emotion as champions are crowned across Queensland’s premier competitions.
For Capalaba supporters, the Bulldogs may not be part of the finale this year, but with the club’s women showing genuine promise, there’s a sense that the foundations are being laid for a return to the big stage next season.
