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It’s officially the pointy end of the AFL season, and the Bull Sharks can smell blood in the water.
Our QAFLW side will make the trip up the M1 to Giffin Park, where Bond will look to neutralise Cooparoo's physicality through their elite running game.
Meanwhile, our men head down the road to Neptune Homes Arena for a blockbuster clash with arch-rivals the Burleigh Bombers.
With seasons on the line, there’s no room for error.
QAFLW
The Opposition
Coorparoo are a strong, physical, aggressive side. They like to play a really inside game - a contested, repeat stoppage game. We'll be trying to get the ball to the outside and run it. We haven't really been able to do that the last three times we've played them due to the weather so we're looking forward to a nice dry day and having a chance to play our style of footy.
The Challenge
The secret is balancing the excitement of playing finals. Last night we talked about winning premierships and the feeling you get from winning premierships and not shying away from it. Often you can be too scared to talk about it but you need to embrace the opportunity and go, “okay, we want to chase that feeling”. Our catchcry for this last week was “let's chase that feeling,” and then we’ve focused on the actions that we need to take to get that feeling. We watched a video of the 2023 Premiership when the bull Sharks won and it showed the moment the siren when all the girls were stacks on and getting their premiership medallions. We watched it and said, “let's create that ourselves.”
Shuffling the magnets
We're hoping to go unchanged if we can. Last week was the first time this year that we kept the same lineup, so hopefully this weekend will be the second. We’re looking to build consistency and trust and with the same girls playing similar roles, it definitely helps.
The focus
The last time we played them, we had 35 inside 50s to their 12, so we dominated but we just couldn’t score. They have a really good intercept marking defender, so the idea is to keep the ball away from her to be able to use the ball a bit better going inside 50.
Ones to watch
Kendra Blattman at full forward. She won the competition for goal kicking again this year and looks ready to have a break out game. She’s looked really threatening this last month and kicked some goals but I feel like she's on the verge of a breakout. Sky White in the ruck has been incredible, as have our usual suspects in Shannon Nolan, Evy Reeves and Jaz Davidson. Annabel Folk has come back from the Suns Academy and her last two weeks have been really, really encouraging for us. Also Beth Pinchin across half back - she's dominating.
-With Andy Lovell, Director of Football
QFA Men
The opposition
We take on the Burleigh Bombers who are unquestionably our greatest rivals. They are well coached, well drilled and have elite talent across every line. Both teams are very well matched in what will be one hell of a contest with an enormous opportunity attached to the result.
The challenge
We will have multiple challenges thrown at us this week. Our main focus as was the case last weekend will be to getaway to strong start, limit the oppositions’ ability to get on the outside of us and score and on the flipside ensure we score at every opportunity. Goals in finals are a premium and we will get many looks its critical we capitalize and build scoreboard pressure early in the game.
Shuffling the magnets
At this stage, there may be no changes which will be a first for the season and a very positive outcome given the way the team performed last weekend. There are quite a few payers who are very sore after a very physical game and will need to be tested later in the week to ensure they can play.
The focus
Like last weekend we need to be squarely focused on the first quarter and building our game and focusing on what has made us a super competitive unit this season. We have great belief in our system and talent within the group, so we go in very confident although super cautious and respectful of the opposition.
Ones to watch
It's very hard to identify individuals in such a talented team. Our young guns in Emery, Gray, Francis, Kowald and Betts are super talented along with our older bulls Middleton, Scott, King, Smith, Viney, Dell and Tilley who steady the ship. It’s a combination that has given us the chance of eyeing the ultimate prize for season 2026.
Final word – It’s a super exciting weekend for the Club with both the Reserves and Seniors giving themselves a chance for a Grand Final showdown in a fortnights time. It’s the best time of year and the buzz around the Canal is real!
-With Matthew Kennedy, Head of Football Operations