The Bond University AFL Football Club (BUFC) is going into this weekend’s QAFA (B) South grand final as hot favourites, having only conceded one match defeat all season.
The team are no strangers to Grand Finals reaching it in both 2011 and 2012 but ultimately falling short on both occasions, but are hoping 2014 is their year for victory, when they take on arch rivals and last year’s premiers, Tweed Coast, at Scottsdale Drive this Saturday 6 September at 2pm.
Senior Coach Sam Whish-Wilson, who was recently named QAFA Coach of the Year, said the team’s one loss half-way through the season was actually a positive experience for them.
“That one slip was actually a reality check for us; we learned a lot from it and came out the other side stronger,” Sam said.
The Bullsharks went head-to-head with Tweed Coast in the semi-finals two weeks ago. Despite the Tweed team being the more experienced, Bond’s youth and speed saw them win by 18 points and secure their berth straight through to this weekend’s grand final, in what was a wet and tough game of football.
“The team is very excited about having the opportunity to play in the final. My advice to the boys ahead of the match has been to stay positive and focus on our strengths, and not to become complacent.
“Thanks to our bye this past weekend, we’ll be going into the final well rested and fresh. We’ve also taken the opportunity to do our homework and watch Tweed in action; our focus was to scope out their play and identify how to shut down their key players.
“We have the fitness, speed and skill to win – I just want the boys to get out on the field and have fun with their mates,” Sam said.
“I’d like to thank our supporters, the Vice-Chancellor and the University, the Club and our sponsors for their incredible support all throughout the year.
“We’re very lucky to have such a great Club and a community that is incredibly involved and engaged, both on and off the field. Our aim is to do them all proud this weekend.
“I’d also encourage staff and students to come along to the match at Robina to cheer us on. The more spectators we can get; the better we’ll perform!”
The team are currently looking into organising transport to and from campus to the match. To register your attendance and find out more – go to https://www.facebook.com/events/722787594435327/
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