Bull Shark Kendra Blattman has taken out the QAFLW leading goal-kicker award with 40 majors over the 16-round tournament.
Blattman made the move from Sydney University to the Gold Coast at the start of the year to play with the Bull Sharks and has put on dominant performances week in and week out.
But when she first walked into The Canal, even kicking a single goal looked a little ambitious.
Bond’s Director of AFL and Women’s Head Coach Andy Lovell thought he’d found a key defender.
“I played all the practice matches in the back line,” Blattman said.
“Then round one came against UQ and they needed a tall forward.
“I kicked two or three goals in the first game and Andy (Lovell) was like, ‘You’re stuck there now.’
“I enjoy playing in the forward line, so it was definitely something I wanted to keep doing and I tried my best each week, and it’s worked out for me.”
Blattman’s season-best was when she kicked six majors against Yeronga in round 6.
She cemented the award with five goals last weekend when Bond dominated Coorparoo in a 47-point win.
Lovell couldn’t be happier with Blattman’s impact on his team.
“She’s just added some real firepower to our goal-kicking,” he said.
“She’s got a beautiful overhead mark and a really accurate kick. And she’s fitted in beautifully with our culture.”
Like many of her fellow teammates, Blattman’s goal is to be drafted to an AFLW side.
She saw the move to The Canal as the chance to take her football to the next level.
“I was always open to the idea of coming up here,” she said.
“I came up to visit and fell in love with the place and the coastal vibe.
“I’ve loved it this season. All the girls are so welcoming – they’re like my second family now – so it’s been great.
“The season has been a bit up and down but I think we are all ready to take on the finals.
“The training at Bond is another level – it’s a big step up.
“Everyone really wants to be there and wants the best for the team.”