Bull Sharks hope to make splash in super Saturday showdown

The Bull Sharks QFA and QAFLW teams hope to convert a strong preseason into round 1 success at home this weekend.

It will be super Saturday at The Canal with the men’s and women’s seniors and reserves all enjoying a home-ground advantage. Here’s what you need to know:

Last time they met

The senior men’s team will match-up against next-door neighbours the Robina Roos. 

It’s been a hot minute since round 1 of the 2022 season when Bond came away victorious 98-56.

The senior women face their long-time rivals Maroochydore. 

Their last match-ups resulted in a 15-15 draw in Round 9 of the 2022 season, followed by a 54-27 win for the Bull Sharks in Round 16. 

New season, new coaches

After guiding the 2022 senior women’s team throug

h a successful season, Luke Mansbridge has made the switch to coach the senior men’s team. 

And in addition to his role as Director of AFL, Andy Lovell has taken the reins as the senior women’s coach and is looking forward to seeing the girls unleash. 

“I’m really excited,” Lovell said. 

“I’ve fallen in love with footy again since I’ve been coaching and running the program here.

“It’s a great footy club, it’s got a really rich history and good culture, so I’m really excited.”

Points of difference

Coming off a preseason win in the McNab ‘Cooly Cup’, the senior women’s team have already proven their potential as a team to look out for in 2023. 

Lovell says all of his players are in strong form. 

“The girls have been really receptive to all of our coaches’ messaging and how we want to play, and I think if we bring the same effort that we’ve brought all preseason, that will give us our best chance,” he said.

One to watch 

Our 2023 Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship recipient Tom Ferguson performed strongly in a recent trial after overcoming a preseason calf injury and is set to make his Bull Sharks debut.  

Gone but never forgotten

On the eve of the season, star player Meara Girvan was selected by the Gold Coast Suns in the AFLW Supplementary Draft last weekend. 

Since it’s inception, Bond’s women’s program has produced more AFLW players than any other club in the country. 

Though the loss of Girvan will leave a giant hole in the Bull Sharks QAFLW side, the club are delighted to see her earn the call-up to play at the highest level. 

Match day Information

Saturday, April 15 at Bond University Oval

Men’s reserves 10:45am

Senior men 12:45pm

Senior women 3:30pm

Women’s reserves 5:30pm