An injury denied Finlay Gray a chance to be part of Bond University’s premiership push last season. Now he has another shot at a senior flag when the Bull Sharks face the Burleigh Bombers in Sunday’s grand final at Cooke Murphy oval.
Last Sunday, Bond’s QAFLW were crowned premiers amid a sea of Bull Shark celebrations.
Now the men stand one win from joining them and creating the club’s first senior men’s and women’s premiership double.
But first, the Bull Sharks must win the battle for possession.
Burleigh had their measure in that department when the two sides met a fortnight ago.
“They out-hunted us and they were hard at the footy,” Gray says.
A defender with an instinct for reading the play, Gray will be central to the challenge.
The Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholar and Bachelor of Property student combines a fierce attacking style with an impressive ability to anticipate the play.
Head coach Kain Ford knows the value of game-reading skills.
A former Queensland representative and QAFL premiership player known for his run-and-gun style, Ford has the experience to recognise what Gray offers.
“Fin’s ability to read the ball in the air and contest it, I’ve never seen someone so courageous when the ball isn’t his,” he said.
“He’s got a high football IQ.”
Ford’s rapt to have his defensive gun back.
“In his first season he had a lot of injuries - it’s a clear run this year and you can tell he’s enjoying his football,” Ford says.
Gray has carried a reputation for being shy, but measured might be closer to the mark.
“His nature is an asset,” Ford said.
“He regularly adds to conversations when we’re talking lines about how we’re going to be better in defence or how we’re going to move the football.”
For the 19-year-old, finding his voice has been part of finding his place at Bond.
“I’ve become more open from being around the group, and it’s definitely made me more vocal,” he said.
A Gold Coast local, Gray came through the Suns Academy and senior QAFL football with Broadbeach before entering a group where many of his new Bull Sharks teammates had already formed close friendships.
“It can be hard settling into a new crew, especially when a lot of the boys played together elsewhere,” Gray said.
But the prospect of playing good footy with a strong group without putting his degree on the back foot was a deliberate drawcard.
The lessons extend beyond the classroom, with Gray part of a footy program shaped by elite experience including former Brisbane Lion Maxy Kennedy and three-time Lions premiership player, Shaun Hart.
“I’d heard good things about the Bull Sharks from my time at the Suns Academy and I wanted to play with a strong group of mates and coaches while getting my education.”
Those friendships will extend beyond the grand final, with the Bull Sharks already plotting their Mad Monday costumes should they get the job done.
“One of the boys, Danny Middleton, loves hunting pigs, so he is dressing up as a hunter,” Gray says.
“And we’re all getting into pig outfits.”
The joke is typical of the camaraderie Gray has found at Bond. But game day offers something considerably more serious.
For all the ritual before he takes the field, two slices of Vegemite toast and a leap off his left boot – Gray’s motivation is remarkably simple.
“Just wanting to win is enough for me.”
Burleigh took control of the contest in their most recent clash.
Now with a premiership cup on the line, the Bull Sharks must turn from being hunted and into hunters.
“I’ll know I’ve played my role all day if my opposing player barely gets a disposal and isn’t damaging offensively to us at all.”
Come Sunday, Gray has the Bombers’ red and black in his sights.