It was a big weekend for the Bull Sharks as our QAFLW side moved two games clear of fourth placed Coorparoo on the ladder with a win over Wilston Grange while the men took down a vastly improved Tweed Tigers outfit to also secure third place, a game clear of Carrara.
Bond v Wilston Grange at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 3.8 (26) to 1.3 (9)
Best: Christy Landwehr, Tahlia Meyer, Charlotte Taylor, Maisy Evans, Grace Moodie, Shannon Nolan.
Where it was won:
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 highlight:
There was a few. It was great to see Tshinta Kendal come back into the senior team and take a number of strong overhead marks. And two girls made their senior debut, Isabella Davies, after returning from an ACL injury sustained in last year’s preseason and Jessica Mclean, a 17-year-old out of our Burleigh junior girls pathway program. Both girls contributed really strongly and we look forward to a really bright future for them in a Bull Sharks jersey.
What made you happy:
Our consistency in the contest. Being wet and heavy led to many contested ball situations. Wilston Grange brought a really strong contested mindset which we were able to counter with some really strong body work of our own. We continue to build on our theme of team care and every girl worked hard to ensure their teammates was able to play her best game.
The work to do:
We must improve our inside 50 conversions. We got many opportunities to kick goals but weren’t able to finish. In our upcoming game against top of the ladder Aspley we will need to convert our opportunities better.
Trademark player:
Tahlia Myer. Her gut run and experienced positional play on the wing led to many counter attacks through her ability to support the defence and link up our midfield- which in turn led to multiple forward 50 entries.
Reserves.
Bull Sharks won 13.8 (86) to 1.2 (8)
Best: Jasmine Single, Grace Ella, Evie Emmett, Poppy Priestley, Makayla Sekac, Georgia Hutton
QFA
Bull Sharks v Tweed Tigers at Surfers Paradise.
Bull Sharks won 7.10 (52) to 7.5 (47).
Best: Matthew Smith, Ryan Dienjes, Nick Bare, Nick Scott, Felix Packer, Mitchell Dell, Kain Ford.
Where was it won:
In some of the worst conditions we have seen in recent times, to be challenged all day and to find a way to win was very pleasing. The Bond team put enormous pressure on the opposition in the later stages of the game to force them into error and consequently turnover. It was an old-fashioned team effort which the coaching group acknowledged post-game.
The highlight:
Felix Packer’s return from injury was a highlight. He has missed over a month of footy and to come back and play the way he did was super for his confidence and that of the team.
What made you happy:
The way the team hung in and won a very tight contest. It showed a level of maturity that will give the group much needed confidence as we encounter tougher opposition in the coming weeks. There wasn’t a player on the ground that didn’t contribute in some positive way. Tweed have vastly improved under the tutelage of Dean Solomon and at stages were well in the contest and looked like surging home late in the last quarter.
Bull Sharks footy:
This week in particular the Bull Shark’s way was 100 per cent on full display. To win the way we did under the circumstances made all associated with the club very happy.
The work to do:
As always there’s plenty of work to do. We at times let the opposition back into games with lapses in concentration. This week was much better in that area although late in the last quarter we let a few easy balls out of congestion and Tweed capitalized. There were far more positives that negatives this week.
Trademark player:
This week Kain Ford was probably the Trademark Player of the week. His leadership and steady hand during pressure moments gives the team such confidence. His ability to use the ball in very ordinary conditions was a standout.
Reserves.
Bull Sharks won 12.19 (91) to 1.2 (8)
Best: Jack O'shea, Darcy Dienjes, Joe Chigwidden, Max Quin, Luke Manns
With Andy Lovell.