It was a mixed bag of results but a strong showing of character from both Bull Sharks squads in the Premier Netball League at Nissan Arena on Sunday.
In the Sapphire Series the girls got the job done in a one-goal thriller, edging past the Jets 61–60 to lock in second spot on the ladder. It wasn’t pretty—but grit and game smarts proved enough to grind out the win.
A depleted Bull Sharks side battled bravely before falling short, going down 69–63 in the Ruby Series.
The effort was full of heart, with debutant Bridie Stewart stepping up in style and Evie Stower lighting it up from long range.
Bull Sharks v Jets at Nissan Arena
Sapphire
Bull Sharks won 61 – 60
How it was won:
This one wasn’t our most convincing win. We struggled to build momentum and find our rhythm throughout the game. Despite creating plenty of opportunities, we didn’t consistently capitalise. Still, we found a way to get over the line.
What made you happy
A win is a win—and an important one at that. It secures 2nd place on the ladder as we head into the second half of the season. That gives us a strong platform to build from.
Bull Sharks Netball
If there’s one thing we know how to do, it is to grind out a win from behind. But it’s time for a mindset shift. I want to see us leading from the front—taking control early and finishing strong.
The work to do
Our units still feel a little disconnected, a by-product of disrupted training time with SSN Reserves commitments. We’ve been operating in parts, rather than as a cohesive whole—but that will come. Reconnecting our structures and combinations is a key focus moving forward.
Trademark Players
Lauren Aubrey was rock solid in defence, pulling in critical ball when it mattered most. Sasha-May Flegler was a standout in centre—disruptive in defence and sharp with her feeds in attack. Her ability to apply pressure and link both ends was a real asset.
With Rebecca Stower
Ruby
Bull Sharks lost 63 -69
How it was lost
Unfortunately, this game slipped away in the final minutes. With illness and injury affecting both our Sapphire and Ruby squads, we had two players unavailable and three athletes backing up for Ruby after already playing in the Sapphire match. Given those challenges, the performance the team delivered was incredibly pleasing and showed great resilience.
What made you happy
This week’s performance was one of the strongest of the season. Every athlete stepped up and played exceptionally well. We saw real improvement in their connections on court, and most importantly, a hunger to win—something that has been missing in previous rounds.
Bull Sharks Netball
A huge congratulations to pathways player and training partner Bridie Stewart, who made her debut in the Ruby Series this weekend. Bridie showed fantastic composure and confidence under the post, scoring 6 from 7 goals, including a thrilling Super Shot on the buzzer. A great debut that promises more exciting things ahead!
The work to do
Our last two games have either been drawn or narrowly lost in the final moments. Heading into this week, we’ll be focusing on closing out games more effectively and maintaining composure under pressure in those crucial final minutes.
Trademark Players
Several athletes really stood up this week. Charli Pearse, Abby Boland, and Evie Stower were instrumental in attack, demonstrating strong on-court connection and leadership. Evie Stower, who was outstanding with eight Super Shots, a game-changing effort that kept us in the contest until the end.
With Kim Boland