Bull Sharks QFA and QAFLW sides chasing top 2 berths in comps' longest road trips

By Grace Knight 

After a bye last week, the Bull Sharks QAFLW team are feeling rejuvenated and ready to face Maroochydore in their away game on Saturday. 

Meanwhile, the men’s QFA team are determined to redeem themselves against Ballina following a disappointing loss against the Burleigh Bombers.

Here’s all you need to know. 

Last time they met

The women’s last encounter with Maroochydore was in round 1 where the Bull Sharks dominated with a resounding 104-6 victory. 

Before that, Bond secured a convincing win in round 16 of the 2022 season, 54-27. 

The men’s team last met Ballina in round 4 of this season where they emerged victorious 143-37. 

However, in round 16 of the 2022 season Ballina managed to secure a hard-fought win on their home ground with a final score of 43-31. 

Focus points

Following last weekend’s loss, the men’s team have taken notes from the Bombers textbook and shifted their focus to improve their decision-making when under pressure. 

Last week, head coach Luke Mansbridge commended Burleigh’s capacity to always take their first option, particularly around the contest. 

In order to replicate this style of play, Mansbridge and the other trainers have been encouraging stronger trust amongst the Bull Sharks for faster ball movement and swift decision-making. 

Despite the revolving door of selection due to players being called up for Gold Coast Suns autumn series and academy games, the women’s team have played some excellent footy this season. 

Maroochydore are known for their strong ability to move the ball off their half back and through the middle of the ground, so the Bull Sharks will be looking to strengthen their midfield defence to halt Maroochydore’s opportunities at goal. 

Director of AFL and senior women’s coach Andy Lovell said connection and consistency are going to be two of the biggest focus points as they prepare for this match. 

“We’ve been playing some excellent footy but we’ve just been lacking a bit of consistency,” said Lovell. 

“We’ve been getting lots of entries inside 50 and have had lots of opportunities to kick goals but we haven’t been able to capitalize on them. 

“We’re working really hard on our connection from our midfield to our forwards, plus our accuracy in front of goal.” 

Match day information

Fripp Oval, Ballina

12:00pm Reserves men

2:00pm Senior men 

Domino’s Park / Neil Upton Oval

3:00pm Reserves women 

4:45pm Senior women