After winning their second premiership in as many years, the Bond University Bullsharks' meteoric rise up the ladder has been reinforced by AFL Queensland, who today announced the team's promotion to the second-tier Queensland Football Association (QFA) South Competition.
It is the second time the Bond Bullsharks have moved up a division in two years, after the club was promoted to the Queensland Amateur Football Association (QAFA- A) competition at the beginning of this year following their premiership win in the QAFA (B) South division in 2014.
Widely considered the underdogs going into this year's QAFA (A) competition, the Bond Bullsharks claimed a historic back-to-back senior premiership win when they defeated the South East Suns in the grand final on September 19.
The team played a near perfect season, losing only one game in the semi-final to the South East Suns, who they defeated in the grand final showdown.
The inclusion of the Bond Bullsharks will boost the QFA South to a 10-team competition, comprised of Gold Coast clubs Coolangatta-Tweed, Burleigh, Robina and Coomera as well as Brisbane teams Yeronga South Brisbane, Kenmore, Alexandra Hills, Springwood and Coorparoo.
Sam Schiphorst, Bond Bullsharks AFL Club Coordinator, said it was unprecedented for any team to step up divisions two years in a row.
"Two years ago we were in the bottom division of the AFL Queensland competition, so to have risen into the second-tier QFA South Competition in such a short period is truly remarkable," he said.
"The club was only established in 2011 and has been a primarily student-run club so this move is a real testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the players, coach, administrators and supporters.
"Next year we are looking to continue our success both on and off the field. It will be a tougher competition, but we're ready for the challenge."