The Bull Sharks will be playing for the minor premiership against Cougars in the final round of the Premier Netball League’s Sapphire Series at Nissan Arena on Sunday.
The Sapphire squad have achieved their pre-season goal of making the top four and will enter the clash with a two-point lead over second placed Cougars, courtesy of a draw.
With ten wins apiece, the winner will claim the minor premiership. The it will be onto the semi-final where the winner will advance directly to the grand final while the loser gets a second chance in a preliminary final.
After missing out on the finals, the Ruby squad’s season ends on Sunday and they are determined to finish on a high note against the Thunder.
Sapphire v Cougars at Nissan Arena
Last time they met
Rd 5, 2025 at Nissan Arena
Bull Sharks won 61 - 58
The opposition
Cougars are always a tough battle: fast, physical, and uncompromising. We edged them in the first round, but they’ll be hungry to flip the result and claim the minor premiership. We’ll definitely have something to say about that.
The challenge
Both sides will be without key players due to the First Nations Nationals. We’ll miss midcourt dynamo Jayden Molo, while Cougars lose their GA Lily Cubby.
Shuffling the magnets
With Jayden unavailable, Ruby young gun Mahlia Henare will step up again in Sapphire – another great opportunity for her development.
Ones to watch
Kaylin van Greunen has been a rock all season. She’ll need to be physically and mentally strong against relentless Cougars defenders, but her scoring power is one of our great weapons. We’ll make sure she’s set to fire.
The focus
It’s on us and what we can control. That mindset has worked for us all year, and nothing changes now.
Final word
Our original goal was top four. At the halfway point we reset to aim for top two. Now, with that box ticked, the next step is clear - finish as minor premiers.
With Rebecca Stower
Ruby
Bull Sharks v Thunder
Last time they met
Rd 4, 2025 at Nissan Arena
Bull Sharks won 63 - 51
The opposition
We last faced Thunder back in Rd 4, and came away with a 63–51 win. But it is now Rd 18, and a lot has changed since then.
The challenge
Thunder have pushed some of the top four teams in recent weeks. Like us, they’re no longer in finals contention, which means they'll be playing with freedom and determination—just as we are. We’re expecting a tough contest from a team also eager to finish the season on a high note.
Shuffling the magnets
At this stage, there are no planned changes to the lineup.
Ones to watch
I’m hoping all 11 athletes will rise to the occasion one last time and deliver a united team performance.
The focus
To end the season with a performance that embodies our values, our effort, and everything we've built together.
The final word
This is our final chance to wear the Bull Sharks colours this season and we’re ready to give it everything we’ve got and leave it all out on the court.
With Kim Boland