The Bull Sharks announced their QFA premiership credentials when they defeated reigning premiers Coolangatta on their own deck in round two.
Now they can underline those claims when they head to Burleigh to battle the 2023 premiers.
The Bombers defeated us in the 2023 grand final and kicked us out of the title race in last year’s preliminary final. It is fair to say they are our arch rivals.
In the QAFLW, the women will host the much-improved Wilston Grange at The Canal. Coach Andy Lovell has been happy with the team’s selflessness over the past few rounds and insists that we must carry it forward into the second half of the season.
Bull Sharks v Burleigh at Burleigh Oval
Last time we met
2024 Preliminary Final
Bull Sharks lost 15.9 (99) - 8.10 (58)
Burleigh started the game very strongly, as expected. We matched them in the beginning and went into half time even. There was real belief coming out after the break, but we struggled to hit the scoreboard. Burleigh added major after major in the last quarter, and we just couldn’t respond. It was a very brave performance but, in the end, we weren’t quite good enough.
The opposition
Burleigh have been our arch rivals now for many years. We’ve had some terrific battles with them over the years, with most games going down to the wire. Burleigh have been a side that have always challenged at the pointy end of the season and this year will be no different. Our boys have been looking forward to this game for several weeks now and can’t wait to take them on at their home ground in front of a patriotic crowd.
The challenge
The challenge this week is the biggest in our competition. To win at Burleigh is huge, we have done it in the past and hold no fear we can do it again on Saturday. To beat a highly talented side you must match them in all areas and make sure you take your chances when they present.
Shuffling the magnets
This week we should go in relatively unchanged from our last outing against Tweed. We are hopeful to bring in a couple of new players to add to the mix. Losing Felix Packer with a knee injury is a massive blow although we are confident, we can find another option to fill that.
Ones to watch
We are keen to see how our back six hold up this weekend. We know Burleigh like to move the ball quickly and get it into their forwards with real speed on the ball. Our defenders have been terrific all year and have rarely been beaten up until this point, although this week will be their toughest assignment. We back our boys in to do the job again this week.
The focus
This week we need to pressure the opposition into submission and not let them get into the game on their terms. They are well coached and a very disciplined team that set up well, so our system needs to be on point across the ground. We feel we have weapons across the ground that can match them. Our mission is to silence the crowd.
The final word
Given we had the bye round last week, we go into the game physically and emotionally refreshed and ready to go. Who better to take on than the benchmark of the competition on their home deck.
With Matthew Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Wilston Grange at The Canal
Last time we met
Round 11 2024
Bull Sharks won 3.9 (26) - 1.3 (9)
We dominated in the midfield and controlled ground position, with double the amount of inside 50’s. Our ball use in very challenging conditions was excellent. We did a terrific job of continually getting the ball to the open side of the ground where we could run and use our pace.
The opposition
Wilston Grange are much improved from last year. They’re a high handball team, they’ve got real speed, and they run and attack through the corridor. So we expect them to be a handful.
The challenge
I think the challenge is always the same coming off to a bye. We need to reset and continue to play a really hard contested game like we have in the first six rounds. We need to shut down their run and carry, so our pressure on the ball needs to be strong.
Shuffling the magnets
Maisy Evans will be out with concussion, but the rest of the team is fairly steady. We are excited to welcome back our vice-captain, Charlotte Taylor from injury and Grace Ella will be back after missing last round for family reasons. They will be two big ins. There are also a multitude of players from our red-hot reserves team that are pushing strongly for a spot in the senior team.
Ones to watch
Ella Calleja had her best game for the year last week. Halle Gaiai played her second game of senior footy and was terrific against Yeronga and is showing real signs of improvement and development. Abby Bevon has been a highlight in our forward line and Georgia Johnson through the midfield has been a really good clearance player.
The focus
We reviewed the game on Monday and one of the really big things was our team care and selflessness, we share the ball really well and it doesn’t matter who kicks the goals, as long as we get them. We want to reset that, I want to make sure we play that style of footy where we share the load.
The final word
We’re really looking forward to getting back on our home deck and continuing to play our Bull Sharks footy where we pressure, harass and tackle into submission.
With Andy Lovell