The Bull Sharks created history when their seniors and reserves sides both made the QAFLW Grand Final for the second year in a row.
On the eve of the premiership decider at People First Stadium we asked students Sarah Heptinstall, Jemma Blair and Georgia Hamilton what made Director of AFL Andy Lovell's program so successful.
What can you tell me about Andy Lovell as a coach? How has it been working with him this season?
Sarah:
Andy is one of the most dedicated and approachable coaches, making it a truly great experience to work with him. He genuinely cares not just about the performance of the team but also the wellbeing of each player. I believe this is a key reason behind our success as a squad.
Jemma:
Where do I start? Andy has played a pivotal role in our success, not just last year, but also this season. We wouldn’t be in another grand final without him. He lives and breathes Bond AFL and has made a significant impact on our club, as well as on me personally. I was fortunate to join Bond AFL at the same time he took over as head coach last year, and he immediately took me under his wing. Playing under him has been an absolute privilege.
Andy has instilled so much confidence in me as a player and has helped me realise my potential. Over the past two seasons, I've been in awe of his ability to connect with every member of our squad. His coaching style is calm and comforting, and he always seems to say the right things at the right time, especially when we need it most. Plus, he never misses a chance to sneak in a classic dad joke.
I can't imagine the pressure he’s under, especially when it comes to making tough decisions like selecting the team each week. But despite this, he puts tremendous faith and confidence in us, and I believe our success stems from the trust he places in our playing group. He also puts up with our shenanigans, like tricking him into doing TikTok pranks—I still don’t know if he’s truly recovered from our last trick on him (if you know you know)!
Georgia:
I've experienced many different coaches over my time in AFL all to which have taught me so many different things. I will say that I think I have hit the jackpot when joining the Bond Bull Sharks, because of the players, trainers, coaching staff and especially Andy. I think he has all the good qualities that my past coaches have had but in one person. Not only is he a great coach but an all-round great human too. His energy and personality are exactly what makes this club.
Is the AFLW program as good as you thought it would be?
Sarah:
Yes, it is an amazing and elite program that pushes you to be better not only as a player but also as a person. The club creates an environment of professionalism but also enjoyment.
Jemma:
It’s been better than I expected. Coming from Tassie, I was nervous because I hadn’t heard much about the club before moving up and didn’t really know anyone. But from my first training session, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and I’ve made some of my closest friendships here. Without family on the Gold Coast, this club has become like family to me, which has been really special.
I also love how close we’ve become across the men’s and women’s programs. Our social events have been fun and have helped build strong connections. The program is enjoyable yet still professional, creating a supportive and motivating atmosphere. The competition for spots this season has pushed us to work harder at training, making me a better player and making the team a lot more competitive. It’s a place where we can challenge ourselves while knowing we have a solid support system behind us.
Georgia:
I think I said it before, but I truly believe I have hit the jackpot when moving interstate and choosing Bond to play footy for. This club has taught me so much already in the space of one season and given me so many opportunities to improve myself personally and as an athlete.
What’s the belief like in the team heading into these finals?
Sarah:
We have a strong belief as a team and squad as we have all connected really well all season. I am super keen to see how everyone performs.
Jemma:
I think we have a lot of belief in ourselves and in our processes. If we do the basics right and stay true to our Bond Bull Shark brand of footy, I believe we’ll be just fine. As a collective, I think we’re embracing the underdog role going into the game. It takes some pressure off us, and like Andy said after the game on Saturday, we have nothing to lose. Yes, it would be great to go back-to-back, but we’re a completely different side this year, so we’re writing our own story right now.
Georgia:
Super strong. I have 100 per cent belief both our teams can win their grand finals playing the Bond brand of footy that we have showcased for majority of the season. We have a huge squad with amazing depth of talent but most importantly, my talented teammates put team footy first over themselves.
Do you have any team superstitions that play out before each game?
Sarah:
Not too many, just making sure the speaker is on before a game to get everyone pumped!
Jemma:
Ooh, good question! I hadn’t really noticed any major team superstitions until I came across one in our first round of finals the other weekend. We were in our huddle right before the game, doing our hands in, when I noticed Havana Harris standing on the outside, not really putting her hand in. I tried to pull her in, but she refused and started laughing. It wasn’t until after the cheer that she and Mia explained to me that it’s a superstition of hers before every game - and she can’t put her hand in. hahaha.
Georgia:
Some grounding breaths followed by a dance circle is our recipe for a great game.
How are you enjoying this season?
Sarah:
I have had a great time this season. It's been amazing to be able to come back from injury and get my body moving again with such a great bunch of girls. I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of, and I can’t wait for this weekend and the seasons to come.
Jemma:
This season has been loads of fun. We’ve had so many new additions to our squad, and it’s been great getting to know them all and building even more connections. That’s one of the things I love about playing team sports—the people you get to meet.
I’ve also been playing a different role in the backline this year as a full-back, which has been a new challenge for me. Although it’s been a shift from my previous positions, I’ve really enjoyed adapting to this change.
Georgia:
I'm loving it. This club is seriously my home away from home. The girls have never failed to make me laugh, feel supported and less stressed when it comes to juggling uni, work and life. The club has also given me so many opportunities which I am forever grateful for. I was named captain of the reserves side which was a great confidence booster in helping me become the player and human I've been trying to work towards over the last few seasons. I'm so happy with the growth I've had already as a person at this club and can't wait for the season to come to see the player I grow into.
Which players do you think will make their mark in these finals?
Sarah:
I'm super keen to watch Tobi Chapman in the backs, as well as Bella Iverach and Aleah Stringer in the forwards this weekend. They're all incredible players and super important for the team’s success.
Jemma:
Everyone is in such great form right now, which is perfect timing. To name a few, I think Sophie Balcombe will make a big impact in this weekend’s game. She played a crucial lockdown role last weekend and kept her opponent scoreless, so I believe she’ll be vital again. Tahlia Meyer has also been a massive asset to our side this season, consistently performing as a winger. She was everywhere last weekend, and as a defender, I really appreciate her ability to work hard and support us when we need it most.
And then there’s Ella Calleja. She’s really come into her own this year and is definitely a silent but deadly player. She even promised me last weekend that if she kicks a goal, she’ll do a Raygun celebration, so I’m hoping to see that on the big deck this Sunday.
Georgia:
For the reserves in particular, young gun Evie Emmett and even younger gun Jess McLean are the ones to watch out for. Both girls are so reliable to have as inside midfielders. Playing alongside them their composure and ability to win the ball is next level. I think we have the best backline in the competition, Tobi Chapman really commands that space and leads by example in not letting anything through whilst Grace Ella does not let any opposition have the chance to mark the ball and also leads our dance circles at the start of every match. Up forward we have talent after talent after talent all bringing something different. Starting with Izzy Lowe and Bella Iverach bringing dominate leads and smart usage of the footy. We then have Tshinta Kendall who can fly at anything, Sarah Heptinstall who is twice as small as anyone on the field yet will manage to hunt down every ruck on the opposition side not to mention her ability to slip away from her opponent and snag goals. Overall, the talent across both our teams is unmatched.