If there’s been one knock on the QFA squad throughout their dominant 2025 season it has been slow starts. That issued, raised by coach Kain Ford last month, was well and truly buried on Saturday when the Bull Sharks hammered home seven unanswered goals in a stunning opening quarter against Robina.
The only questioned that remained after the first siren was how big the margin would be.
The eventual 69-point win cemented the minor premiership with a final round to go this weekend before the finals begin.
If the men burst out of the gates, the women almost didn’t make it past them.
The team bus broke down at The Canal forcing a scramble to arrange another bus for the road trip to Maroochydore.
It would prove to be the only hiccup with both the QAFLW seniors and reserves recording strong wins.
Jasmyn Davidson kept her dominant season alive and 2024 Riewoldt AFL excellence scholar, Maisy Evans excelled in the ruck.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Robina at Robina
Bull Sharks won 18.15 (123) - 8.6 (54)
How it was won
Like most weeks this season we knew the opposition would come out breathing fire against us. We managed to absorb the heat and kicked straight in the opening quarter, stopping any momentum they had. From quarter time we were dominant in most parts of the ground and went on to win comfortably.
What made you happy
The professional nature of the team’s approach to their football this season has been first class. There is clear understanding of the way we want to play and a commitment from all players to play their part. We haven’t had a score kicked against us which shows how disciplined the team has been all season and their willingness to play team first footy.
Bull Sharks Footy
On a ground that is traditionally difficult to play on we piled on the goals in a dominant display, and with a pressure game that clearly outmatched the opposition we were never threatened which was pleasing.
The work to do
We let in 4 or 5 goals that could have been prevented throughout the game. We cannot afford to let easy goals in against quality opposition. This is more of a positional issue rather than a lack of effort.
Trademark players
There were four standouts this week. Josh Lanham toiled away all day against a quality ruckman and was enormous for us, as were our two young guns Nick Francis and Miles Enders. Tommy Bennett has also been in outstanding form, his work rate is off the charts and his ability to gain possession and get separation via his blistering speed is incredible and a huge asset for us.
With Matthew Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Maroochydore
Bull Sharks won 14.8 (92) - 1.1 (7)
How it was won
It was our most complete performance for the year. We dominated stoppage, achieved a 49-9 inside 50s advantage and controlled the ball with a 290 – 132 possession count. So, we owned the ball and had a great balance of contested ball and uncontested possession.
What made you happy
I’m really happy with our ability to hold onto the ball. Our disposals by foot were far more effective than they have been, our use of hand ball opened up the game and allowed us to get uncontested possession.
Bull Sharks Footy
We dominated contest and stoppage. Our defensive shape was impenetrable.
The work to do
Our goal kicking accuracy, we still miss too many easy shots. We need to get reward for effort, so kicking goals is important, especially from set shots.
Trademark Players
Jasmyn Davidson smashed them in the midfield and had ten tackles. Maisy Evans in the ruck dominated hit outs and gave us a real presence in the air around the ground. Ella Calleja, Lexi Samuels and Shannon Nolan continued their rich vein of form. Charlotte Taylor on a wing had her best game for the season, kicking three goals.
With Andy Lovell