It’s a blockbuster double-header weekend for the Bull Sharks netball squads, with Sapphire and Ruby both facing back-to-back clashes—first at Nissan Arena on Saturday, then at home at Carrara on Sunday in their only home court appearance this season. With finals just around the corner, every match counts.
Sitting proudly atop the ladder, Rebecca Stower’s Sapphire side is riding high after six consecutive wins. But the pressure ramps up now as they enter a tough final month, with a resurgent Thunder and a significantly strengthened Wildcats outfit ready to test them. The squad’s discipline and depth will be key across the weekend.
Kim Boland’s Ruby team has rediscovered its winning edge with two thrilling victories, and they’ll need to keep that momentum rolling to stay in the finals hunt. The Panthers and Wildcats offer contrasting challenges, but the Bull Sharks are united, determined, and primed to leave everything on the court.
Sapphire Squad
Last time we met
Bull Sharks v Thunder
Rd 4, 2025, Bull Sharks lost 62 - 58
Bull Sharks v Wildcats
Rd 6, 2025, Bull Sharks won 71 - 58
The Opposition
We kick things off against Thunder at Nissan Arena. Our last clash was a narrow loss earlier in the season, so we’ll be looking to flip that result. On Sunday, we return home to host a refreshed Wildcats side. Since our Round 1 match-up, they’ve added 197cm goal shooter Charlie Bell—fresh from a stint in the ANZ Championships—and a dynamic midcourter from the Sydney Swifts SSN Reserves. They’ll be a very different team this time around.
The Challenge
Against Thunder it’s about continuing to play our brand of netball—disciplined, connected, and clinical. The match-ups across the court are solid, so control and execution will be key. The Wildcats will present a different challenge, a new-look line-up and a tall, dominant target in the circle. We’ll need to be smart, strategic, and ruthless in both defence and attack.
Shuffling the magnets
At this stage, all 10 players are available for selection, giving us great flexibility to manage the load and explore combinations across the two games.
Ones to watch
Our strength lies in the collective. We’ve built strong momentum, and we’re sitting well on the ladder because every player continues to do their job. That focus on role clarity and team-first effort is what makes us hard to beat.
The focus
One game at a time. We stay present, chip away, and stay committed to the process. Our end goal is to finish in the top two for finals, but the only way to get there is by nailing each performance in the lead-up.
The final word
It’s a big weekend ahead...but we’re ready.
With Rebecca Stower
Ruby Squad
Last time we met
Bull Sharks v Panthers
Rd 8, 2025, Bull Sharks lost 65 – 52
Bull Sharks v Wildcats
Rd 10, 2025, Bull Sharks drew 58 - 58
The opposition
This week presents another tough challenge with a double-header. First up, we take on the Panthers, they currently sitting below us on the ladder, but are not to be underestimated. They've secured some impressive wins this season, including a victory over us in our first meeting. Then on Sunday, we face the Wildcats, who sit above us on the ladder. Our last encounter ended in a hard-fought draw, so we know we’ll need to bring our absolute best to come away with two wins this weekend.
The challenge
Double-headers are demanding, both mentally and physically. Preparation during the week will be key—we need to train with intensity, recover well, and go into the weekend ready to compete across all four quarters in both games.
Shuffling the magnets
No changes at this stage to the lineup
Ones to watch
Simply put, all 11 athletes are ones to watch this weekend. Every player will play a crucial role, and we’ll need everyone to step up and be ready to make an impact when called upon.
The focus
Our focus is clear - play our game, stay composed and united. If we do that consistently, we give ourselves every chance to walk away with two wins.
The final word
Sunday marks our one and only home game for the season, and I’m really looking forward to showcasing both our Ruby and Sapphire teams on the Gold Coast. Let’s bring the energy and make it a weekend to remember.
With Kim Boland