Bull Sharks in action through AFLW final series

Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship recipient Mikayla Pauga will enjoy a weekend off after the Brisbane Lions advanced to an AFLW preliminary final after last week’s victory over Adelaide.

And Pauga will be cheering on Bond teammate and fellow scholarship holder Ruby Sargent-Wilson whose Swans are preparing for a sudden death semi-final against the Crows. 

Sargent-Wilson was part of the Sydney Swans side that qualified for the club’s maiden finals series with a 22-point round 10 victory over the Dockers.

It was only last year that the Sydney Swans entered the AFLW competition and the then-18-year-old Bachelor of Sports Management student was the very first player on the Swans’ team list. 

“It’s so exciting to be into the finals this year. There’s definitely a bit of buzz going around the club,” Sargent-Wilson said. 

“I also think it’s a massive growth for our club and for our team coming from a winless season last year to now be into the finals. 

“I think it’s a really great reward for all of the hard work we put in through the off season.” 

Bond Director of AFL and QAFLW senior coach Andy Lovell said the number of former players performing well at the elite level was not only testament to the university’s long-standing commitment to women’s sport, but also an inspiration to the 2023 premiership winning Bull Sharks to try to build on their success over the upcoming pre-season.

“It’s so great to see so many Bull Sharks excelling at the top level,” he said.  

“I feel honoured to be a part of a club that nurtures so much talent, especially within the AFLW. 

“And we want our players to see these girls and believe they can all take their own games to the next level, and some all the way to the AFLW, if they are prepared to do the work.’’