By Lilli Wyatt
The Bull Sharks started their QFA campaign with a gripping 98-54 triumph over Robina Roos on Saturday.
Bond University trailed by a goal at the break, but roared to life in the second half to claim a 44 point victory.
The win came as the perfect debut for Morgan Ferres’ after moving to the Gold Coast in December last year on the Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship.
“I moved here from Adelaide this year to do some preseason with the Suns and play a bit of VFL, but I joined Bond after orientation week, it’s been good so far,” Ferres said
“We have a pretty good team here, so it was a good hit out today.
“I think we know what we are capable of this season and the team is building after having a good pre-season.
“I was a bit slow in the first half but worked my way in as the game went on, playing midfield and then forward for the second half.
“After I got my confidence up and my hands on the footy a bit more, the boys getting around all of us younger boys made it a fun game.”
The 19-year-old Bachelor of Law and Commerce student is looking towards the future both in and out of the classroom.
“I just want to get the degree done, then trial for the AFL at this stage,” he said.
“We will see where that takes me, in the meantime I just want to get the degree under my belt.
“I have been playing Auskick since I was 12-years-old, I just love the game, playing forward, kicking goals and making mates.
“It’s a real team orientated game so you make lifelong mates here.”
Tom Hanrahan, also made his debut as coach, stepping up from his assistant role in the absence of John Chenhall for Round 1 this season.
“It was a tough game, Robina are always tricky, they bring a lot of physicality early and tested us for the first half,” Hanrahan said
“The second half we were able to find ourselves some more time and space to use the footy a bit better.
“It was really a game of two halves, and I am really proud of the result.”
As the team looks towards the upcoming season, they are determined to do well and are confident after Saturday’s win.
“Winning the first game is always good, you get yourself in front to start,” Hanrahan said
“Although there are a lot of unknowns about this competition and we have some tougher opponents coming up after the Easter break.
“We have another tough game against Tweed Coast next week, so we certainly won’t take them lightly and every week we need to be up to it.”
Ferres said it was all about building momentum.
“We are hoping to peak at the second half of the end of the season,” said Ferres.
“The boys missed out on the flag last year, so I know they are keen to get another one this year.”
The Bull Sharks reserves opened their campaign with a 115-28 win, while Bond's women's team played out two thrilling draws with UQ.