This week the Bull Sharks get their first chance to play on Nissan Arena’s Show Court when they face Carina Leagues Tigers.
The Sapphire team is out to turn one win into two, and if the Ruby squad can overcome a talented Tigers outfit, they’ll find themselves well established in the top four at the season’s halfway point.
What’s in store
Sapphire
After five losses - four of them reasonably close - the Sapphire girls finally snagged a well-deserved victory.
They had to dig deep to earn it, too. Down two key players to injury before the game, the Bull Sharks had to overcome a plucky, much improved South Brisbane Wildcats line-up.
This weekend’s game against Carina Leagues is tantalising in prospect. Not only are the Tigers adjacent to Bond on the Sapphire Series ladder, but Bull Sharks trio Maddi Ryan, Ella Spencer and Tash Robinson wore orange and black last season before making the switch to Bond.
Coach Bec Stower is hopeful that her team’s maiden win has given them an injection of belief, but she’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“The Tigers have a very different team and coaching staff in 2023,” she said.
“They come off a good win against Jets which will give them confidence. We will need to continue with our strategy building, be smart with our opposition analysis and most of all, commit to our game plan”.
Stower said her injured players are close to ready.
“We’re hopeful for clearance for Dakota Newson, and Abi Houston is well on her way to recovery.”
Ruby
Bond’s Ruby side has won three on the trot now. Just as well, because if ever a team wanted to hit a game with winning confidence, it’s this week. Their opponent is reigning champion and stacked with young Queensland talent.
Bond will have to play fast and smart, but they absolutely have what it takes according to coach, Kim Boland.
“It will take a full team effort this weekend from our girls but if we stick to our game plan and play our game I am confident we have what it takes to really challenge the Tigers,” she said.
Players to watch
Sapphire
Captain Hannah Le Sage had a huge game against the Wildcats with 26 centre pass receives, 25 assists, and a pickup to go with her 16 goals. She’ll go into this weekend's fixture feeling good.
Although it’s a little unusual to have three Bull Sharks playing against their old club all at once, Stower says it won’t have any bearing on their performance.
“Tash, Ella and Maddi are thriving in our environment here at Bond so I don’t expect playing against their old club will have any impact on them mentally.”
Stower says she’ll be keeping an eye on a couple of key match ups.
“I’m particularly excited to see Maddi Ryan up against Chloe Bingham," she said. "And I'm keen to see what Firebirds training partner Isabelle Shearer brings against our Kaylin van Greunen who has had a stellar season thus far.”
Ruby
Joesi Gisinger was outstanding last week with 17 assists, 13 centre pass receives, two intercepts and a pickup.
Boland is expecting a big performance from Gisinger again this weekend. She’s also expecting big things from her twin sister, Jorja, who returns to the line up at the expense of injured shooter Elka Macaulay.
“Sadly Elka is out but I’m excited to see what training partner Jorja Gisinger can bring to our line-up. She put in a standout performance when she subbed in against the Titans in round one. I’m confident she can bring it again.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing our midcourt of Joesi, Lily Phillips and Molly Parry continue to connect and see what they can bring against a very talented Tigers midcourt line-up.”
When and where
Both games will be played on the Show Court at Nissan Arena on Sunday.
The Ruby game’s centre pass is at 4.00pm. The Sapphire game follows at 6.00pm.