It was a winning weekend for the Bull Sharks across both men’s and women’s footy, with two standout performances built on discipline, intensity and a clear commitment to team-first footy.
At Coolangatta, the QFA squad weathered the early pressure before flexing their muscle in a commanding 34-point win. It was one of the most complete performances of the season, with every player rising to the occasion and key contributors like Matty Leskiw, Jack Avage, Miles Enders and Nick Francis once again leading the way.
Up the highway at Burpengary, the QAFLW side bounced back from recent setbacks in emphatic style, keeping Moreton Bay scoreless and dominating the inside-50 count. Maisy Evans was immense around the ball, while Maddi Furlong celebrated a long-awaited senior debut in wet, heavy conditions that suited the Bull Sharks’ contested brand.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coolangatta at Coolangatta
Bull Sharks won 11.8 (84) – 8.2 (50)
How it was won
The team went into the game well equipped and clear eyed to the challenge that was to confront them. The encounter at Coolangatta is always about withstanding the early storm and building scoreboard pressure and that’s exactly what happened. After half time the Bull sharks never looked back and went on to win convincingly.
What made you happy
From the outset the group looked dialled in and focused on what was planned throughout the week. Post game the talk was around how the performance was consistent throughout the entire group with winners on every line. There wasn’t a player who had a sub-par game. The stats can sometimes tell a different storyline to the reality of the game, however this week the stats were heavily in our favour in all measures.
Bull Sharks Footy
We knew the challenge that was in front of us was around everyone accepting their responsibility to a winning team performance, and to a man this was done. To win the way we did and to have such a consistent team performance underpins how important preparation is.
The work to do
Working on our goal kicking is a constant for us at the moment. Once again, we kicked far too many points, with many in range that should have been converted. The positives are we are getting 30-40 looks per game and we just need to convert at a higher percentage.
Trademark Players
Matty Leskiw played in the ruck all day again and worked his backside off. Jack Avage through the middle of the ground did his usual bullocking work to get us going and the Miles Enders, Nick Francis show continued to roll on, with both young men standouts yet again.
With Max Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Moreton Bay at Burpengary
Bull Sharks won 8.11 (59) -0.0 (0)
How it was won
Defensively we were elite. We won great one-on-one contests all over the ground and our defensive press pinned them in our front half for large periods of the game.
The highlight
Maddi Furlong making her senior debut after four seasons as a Bull Sharks player. She battled hard and won her share of the ball in an encouraging display
What made you happy
The fact we have been able to reset our game plan after two disappointing losses and rebuild our defensive mechanisms. Our execution in wet and heavy conditions was also pleasing.
Bull Sharks Footy
One on one contested footy was the key. A lopsided 43 -12 inside 50m ledger signified how effective our defensive shape was.
The work to do
We need to keep working on our offensive capabilities and connection by hand and foot to allow us to more easily create scoring opportunities. We are a tad laboured at times and our accuracy on set shots needs to improve.
Trademark Player
Maisy Evans continued her fine form this season with another very strong display in the ruck and up forward. She constantly gives our midfielders first look at the ball around stoppages and her follow up work at ground level is very effective. I’m looking forward to continuing to watch her grow and develop.
With Andy Lovell