After a double header weekend to forget, the Bull Sharks head north in search of their sparkle.
Round 12
Bull Sharks vs Sunshine Coast Thunder
Sunday, 3.00pm
Chancellor College
The Opposition
Thunder are currently sitting in sixth, but their position on the ladder doesn't reflect the quality they have across the court. They have some excellent talent and a strong core of players who have recently featured in an SSN Reserves Grand Final. We know they'll be a tough challenge.
The Challenge
Our focus this week is on continuing to build consistency in our own game. We've had a few patches recently where we've lost some of our connection and composure, so we're looking to get back to playing with confidence and enjoying our netball.
Shuffling the Magnets
With everyone available apart from Amy Williams, we have plenty of flexibility across the court and an opportunity to continue developing our combinations as we head into the final stages of the regular season.
Ones to Watch
Thunder have plenty of experience and quality throughout their line-up, so we'll need to be disciplined defensively and make sure we're switched on from the first whistle. We can't afford to give their key players easy opportunities.
The Focus
For us, it's simple: be brave, stay connected and enjoy playing together. We don't expect everything to click immediately, but we want to continue taking positive steps forward each week.
Final Word
With three regular-season games remaining, we have a great opportunity to build towards finals without needing to rush the process. One game at a time, one quarter at a time — we're looking to find our rhythm and continue improving together.
Ruby
Bull Sharks v Sunshine Coast Thunder
1pm, Sunday
Chancellor College
The Opposition
This week we travel to the Sunshine Coast for the Battle of the Bruce. Physically and metaphorically, it's a long journey, but so too has been our season. The team is ready and primed to consistently deliver what we know we are capable of on court.
The losses of recent weeks have taught us plenty about ourselves and the areas we need to continue developing. You never truly lose if you learn, and we've certainly had plenty of opportunities to do just that. This weekend, it's time to put those lessons into action and have our behaviours and skills match our intentions.
The Challenge
The trip to the Sunshine Coast gives us a great opportunity to mentally prepare and connect as a team. Time on the road allows us to lock in our game plan, sharpen our self-talk and ensure we arrive ready to deliver the performance required to topple Thunder on their home court.
This weekend we MUSTcapitalise on the leads we've consistently built throughout games and, most importantly, close them out. Against the Titans we played some of our best netball of the season, but when the key moments arrived, we too often failed to execute some key game plan instructions and core skills. Being present and in the moment in pressure moments is a developing skill for many of our younger players and we are improving, but the learning curve in netball is steep.
Carpe Momentum...
Seize the moment as the final moments are upon us as we come to the end of our season.
Shuffling the Magnets
With Holly Comyns joining the Sapphire team following her season in New Zealand, we welcome Harriet Nicholson and Brook Lacey back into the Ruby line-up.
We're also excited to have powerhouse midcourter and vice-captain Elka MacCauley return after a short injury layoff. Combined with Mahlia Henare and Ellie Weston, our midcourt is all present and ready to fire for the first time in many weeks. This combination will enable us to bring the ball with speed and accuracy through court so we can capitalise on the gains our defensive end. Once we have the ball though court, we have a shooting circle that can and will deliver.
The Focus
We MUST seize the key moments, win the critical contests and stay disciplined and committed to our game plan for the full 60 minutes. This team has consistently played better than the scoreboard has reflected. Sport can be a cruel master, but it rewards those who fight for every possession, every contest and every opportunity. We are ready to do exactly that again this weekend.
Final Word
"Do or do not. There is no try." — Yoda
The time for learning is over.
Now it's time to deliver on our potential... and SEIZE THE DAY!