It’s a round with major ramifications as both Bull Sharks squads hit the road to take on dangerous opposition in matches that could shape their seasons.
In the QFA, the Bull Sharks will return to enemy territory for a second clash with reigning premiers Coolangatta—again at the Blues’ fortress by the beach. The Sharks defied the odds to win there in Round 2, and they’ll look to repeat the dose with reinforcements returning, including ruckman Matty Leskiw and hard-nosed midfielder Jack Avage.
Meanwhile, the QAFLW squad travels to Moreton Bay knowing their top-four hopes hinge on every result from here. The Sharks comfortably handled the Lions in Round 2, but Moreton Bay are a different proposition now, coming off a confidence-boosting win over Maroochydore.
Both games are set to be physical contests against strong home teams, but for the Bull Sharks, the mission is simple: silence the crowd, stick to the plan, and bank the four points.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coolangatta
Last time we met
Rd, 2 2025 at Coolangatta
Bull Sharks won 10.12 (72) – 9.4 (58)
The opposition
Coolangatta have been a very strong club now for many years and are the reigning premiers. In a quirk of the draw, we play them twice at their home ground which is the biggest challenge a team has in this competition. We won down there earlier in the year which gives the team great confidence going into the weekend’s game.
The challenge
The challenge is to overcome the venue as well as the opponent. Along with Carrara, they enjoy the best home ground advantage, and they rarely get beaten there. We have great faith in our game style and will head into the game confident we can get the job done.
Shuffling the magnets
There will be quite a few changes this week given we had multiple players out on the weekend. We will bring in some quality players that will add to our stocks. Most notably will be ruckman Matty Leskiw and the bull Jack Avage, two players who are super important to our midfield mix.
Ones to watch
Our defensive unit will have a busy day given the amount the opposition’s midfield will supply to their forwards. We are looking forward watching the ruck dual again this week. Coolangatta have a dominant ruckman and with Matty Leskiw available after a week off, this dual will be one to watch.
The focus
We need to get back to having that steely focus on our individual roles and the importance that has on the team’s performance. That is what has bought us the success we have enjoyed to this point in the season. This is a big game and one there is a great deal of excitement around.
The final word
These are the games you love as a player. Meeting a tough opposition on their home deck in front of a parochial crowd. Our mission is to silence the crowd get the four points and get the hell out of there.
With Max Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Moreton Bay at Moreton Bay.
Last time we met
Rd 2, 2025 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 13. 6 (84) to 1. 4 (10)
The opposition
They have improved significantly since our round two meeting and are coming off a great win over Maroochydore last round. They will present a challenge at their home ground. They have a number of strong midfielders, and their small forwards are fast and agile so we will have to be on our game defensively.
Shuffling the magnets
We have a few spots to fill as we will lose 3 players, Aleah Stringer, Annabelle Foat and Miller Brosnan-Ball to the Queensland team for the U18s series which begins this weekend. Our key midfielder Georgia Johnson is also unavailable. We have a number of players pushing for selection with Halle Geyer, Maddi Furlong, Ella Furlong, Millie Ella, Tara Radford and Matilda Clarkson all in line for a possible promotion depending on the needs of the team
Ones to watch
Evy Reeves has had a wonderful start to the season in a number of different roles across half forward, midfield and even wing which she nailed last round against Morningside. Kendra Blattman continues her stellar season up forward and has been a recent addition to the QLD State squad that plays in Tasmania next month.
Maisy Evans rediscovered her form and confidence last round after missing with concussion. Our vice-captain Charlotte Taylor had her best game after an injury interrupted start to the season.
The focus
Last week’s loss was all on the back of us losing centre bounce clearances, so we need to lift in this area to give our forwards first use. We had multiple opportunities to win but let ourselves down in front of goal, so we’ve gone back to school at training on our goalkicking.
The final word
This is a huge game in the context of our season as we need to keep winning in order to stay in the hunt for a top four finish and double chance.
With Andy Lovell