After just three years in competition, the Bond University women’s AFL team has taken out its first Grand Final, defeating Yeronga on their home turf 50-29 on Sunday.
Team captain, and Bond Business student, Kate Reynolds said the team really had to challenge themselves to bring home the 2017 QWFA Division 1 Premiership crown.
“It’s quite surreal to think that just two months ago we were in sixth position. No-one really expected us to be in the grand final,” Kate said.
“Because we had to work so hard to win every game from that point onwards, I feel we really earned the right to take on, and take out, the premiership.
“It was a really hard game and Yeronga put up a massive fight, especially in the third quarter, but our girls banded together and never let go. We just never gave up.”
Coach David Ashkar said the growth of the team throughout this past season had been phenomenal.
“The massive increase in personal growth the girls have gone through to get the result they did is what I’m most proud of,” he said.
“Contrary to what the score might indicate, it was not an easy match, and the girls had to fight really hard for that win – but win they did.
“They won on every area of the ground – on taps, clearances and contested ball.
“They started out strongly and aggressively, then followed through later with quality defence, which is what we needed to do to win the game.
“The girls wrote their own story on Sunday, and it finished with a happily ever after,” he said.
As for the future, David said the story is far from over.
“We’re just half way on a two-year journey. In order to get where we want to be, we need to play, and win, as an elite team. That’s the next chapter in the Sharkette’s story.”
Whether you’re an experienced player or enthusiastic amateur - anyone keen to join or find out more about the club should contact AFL Club Coordinator, Sam Schiphorst on [email protected] or 5595 5841.
To read more about the Sharkette’s incredible journey to the final, click here
Applications for the Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship close this Friday, 1 September. The scholarship provides an opportunity for one male and one female to enhance their footballing career whilst studying at Bond, and offers 100% tuition remission for any single undergraduate or postgraduate degree or diploma, excluding the Bond Medical Program. Full scholarship details can be found here.