It was a bumper weekend for the Bull Sharks who announced their premiership credentials with big wins over the title contenders Coolangatta and Aspley.
QFA Seniors
Bull Sharks v Coolangatta at Coolangatta.
Bull Sharks won 15.6 (96) to 10.7 (67)
Best: Will King, Nick Bare, Felix Packer, Flynn Ayton, Ted McKimm, Blake Spencer
Where it was won:
The team was primed to launch into the game with intensity and real intent to ensure we got away to a good start. This was the case as we skipped away to an early lead. We understood that the Coolangatta outfit would be a real challenge and the team, for the first time in many weeks, looked ‘dialled in’ from the outset.
The highlight:
A highlight which certainly assisted with the win was the early efforts of Blake Spencer. Blake, who at times finds himself in and out of the team, kicked three early goals. He found himself on the end of a few which gave the team the early ascendancy. Blake is a lively team first type of player who was rewarded for his early pressure and ability to get into great positions and convert.
What made you happy:
The way the team found a way to hang on after being challenged late in the game was exceptional. The opposition have an elite midfield who get so much of the footy, we knew they would come at us. It showed great maturity to hold on and end up winning quite comfortably.
The efforts of Felix Packer who was in his second game post an injury was outstanding. His willingness to compete in the air and at ground level was the best he has moved in 2 years.
Bull Sharks football:
This week represented Bull Sharks footy more than any other game this year. We started well, had many contributors, and held off a very talented outfit. It was our best win of the season thus far.
The work to do:
At times we don’t look for the easy option and bite off too much and turn the ball over, giving the opposition looks at the goals. It didn’t hurt us this week although it will in the finals, so we need to tidy this area of the game up.
Trademark player:
Will King is a very underrated although highly respected player within our group. On multiple occasions he had the measure of one of the best forwards in the competition. He is a super competitor and represents all that we love here at Bond. Every week he plays on the best forward and is very rarely beaten given his competitive team first nature.
Reserves:
Bull Sharks won 14.11 (95) to 8.5 (53)
Best: Joe Chigwidden, Curtis Glover, Jack O'shea, Adam Forward, Alistair Sarah, Hunter Booth
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Aspley at Aspley.
Bull Sharks won 5.9 (39) to 4.7 (31)
Best: Christy Landwehr, Shannon Nolan, Ella Calleja, Jemma Blair, Courtney Sexton, Sophie Balcombe
Where it was won:
The girls were super in and around the contest, regularly outnumbering the opposition on their way to winning contested ball +10 and uncontested ball +21. Our focus was on bringing strong frontal pressure on the Aspley ball carriers which we did very well.
The highlight:
In the 4th quarter with Bond only 4 points up and Aspley kicking with the aid of a 4-goal breeze, our girls held them scoreless while scoring 4 points themselves.
What made you happy:
The continued growth and improvement of two of our new senior players Tshinta Kendall and Bella Davies. Both played forward roles and were super dangerous all match.
Bull Sharks Football:
Relentless pressure and strong defensive shape have been the hallmarks of our style of play in recent times. When we get our contest game right, and we structure up consistently, we can deliver on effective offence off the back of great team defence.
The work to do:
We will continue to put work into the quality of our mid arc stoppages and forward 50m entries. While our best is very good, we need to build our consistency in these two areas.
Trademark player:
Sophie Balcombe had a lock down role on Aspley’s super dangerous forward Kitara Whapp-Farrah and she held her scoreless which went a long way towards helping us defeat the ladder leaders. Her defensive positioning was first rate, and she was able to counterattack and repel many opposition entries.
Reserves:
Bull Sharks won 8.7 (55) to 2.3 (15)
Best: Jessica McLean, Jessica Nguyen, Tobi Chapman, Makayla Sekac, Isabelle Lowe, Jasmine Single.