The Bull Sharks will take a new look leadership team into the revamped HART Premier Netball League with veteran players Abby Boland and Harriet Nicholson at the helm as the Ruby squad look to better their performance this year.
The Ruby Series kicks off this weekend with a semi final rematch as the Bull Sharks take on the Brisbane North Cougars at Brisbane Arena.
The Bull Sharks will be eager to make a statement after the Cougars ended their 2024 campaign with a narrow 55-53 semifinal win.
The Hart Premier Netball League will see a switch up with two fresh teams entering the Ruby series – Moreton Bay City Pulse and Redlands Coast Eagles. The competition is also kicking off later than previous years to allow Super Netball Reserve players to join back into their squads.
“Redland have some fresh faces and Moreton Bay have Kiwi coaches so their game style will be a different to ours and will be something we’ll have to adapt to," Bull Shark Ruby captain, Abby Boland said.
Ruby’s head coach and director of Bond Netball, Kim Boland said the squad were in peak physical condition following a rigorous 6-month strength and conditioning program.
“Our focus for our squads is to build on the success of last season by delivering consistent performances week in and week out, while showcasing the Bond style of netball — clean, skilful, and dynamic,” Kim Boland said.
Captain Abby Boland and vice-captain Harriet Nicholson will lead the squad as they look to better last year’s results.
“Preseason has seen a number of young players coming on to the squad,” Nicholson said.
“The main thing we’ve just been saying over the last week is to ‘just get out there and play some netball’ .”
“Our goal is to make top two and to have a strong season leading into it. Theres a lot of younger girls who’ve come up so we’re keen to see some fresh blood hit the court,” Abby Boland said.
This weekend’s game at Nissan Arena will pose a fierce competition with last year’s semi-final between the two team being a thrilling, nail-biting contest said Kim Boland.
“The Cougars are known for their physicality and tenacity. Their led by an experienced coaching team,” she said.
“The game against the Cougars will be a tight one, both teams have had some big changes, so it will be a bit unpredictable. But I’m excited to play and really want to beat the Cougars,” Abby Boland said.
“I was really excited to be asked to captain the team. It’s been a goal of mine and I feel privileged to lead a great group of girls.”