Bull Sharks sink teeth into Tassie

Five of Bond University’s top QAFLW players donned maroon at the Canal on the weekend as Queensland played host to Tasmania in a representative fixture.

And from the opening whistle Bull Sharks quintet Arianna Clarke, Ella Calleja, Imogen Evans, Jasymn Davidson, and Tahlia Myers showed they were there to dominate, not just participate.

All put on commanding displays – Bull Sharks kicked seven of 11 majors – and helped lift the Queensland to a resounding 11.17 (83) to 4.1 (25) victory.

Arianna Clarke stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, creating and capitalising on opportunities with ruthless efficiency.

Her efforts earned her a ‘best on ground’ accolade from Queensland coach Jamie Stanton who praised her ability to help Queensland control proceedings.

"Arianna Clarke kicked four and then we put her behind the ball when Tasmania got a bit of momentum,” Stanton said.

“She was really strong.”

But it was far from a one-woman show. 

The other four Bull Sharks matched Clarke's intensity, each bringing their unique strengths to the forefront. 

Imogen Evans was an unstoppable force with some bruising tackles in the mid field. 

Ella Calleja and Tahlia Myers worked in tandem to create several goal scoring opportunities. 

Jasmyn Davidson was a wall at centre half back thwarting several Tasmanian scoring attempts.

Bond University coach Andy Lovell was effusive in his praise and highlighted the obvious familiarity between the Bond players. 

“Ari Clarke got best on ground, but all five girls contributed really strongly,” Lovell said.

"For our girls to kick 7 out of the 11 was great. 

“You can really see the connection between them all out there on the ground. 

“It was a good [Queensland] team, and it was awesome to see the girls contribute so strongly."

Alongside players they usually compete against on weekends, the Bull Sharks transitioned seamlessly into a team mentality, setting aside usual rivalries to embrace their common goal. 

Arianna Clarke - a former AFLW Brisbane Lion who only recently made the decision to play again sport after some time away - reflected on Queensland’s full team effort.

"My goal was to lead well, and provide an option going forward,” Clarke said.

“It’s pretty easy when you have some high-level girls kicking to you. 

“I think my ability to kick goals is a reflection of the girls' hard work. I just had to get it through the posts, that’s generally the easier part."

Clarke has been in eye-catching form since her return. 

“The season has been super fun playing at Bond Uni,” she said. “The girls are phenomenal.”

“We have a really great program, and our coach Andy Lovell is great with our best players all the way down to our reserves.

“I am really fortunate to be a part of it."

Lovell and Stanton have both commented on the possible return of Clarke to the AFLW scene. 

"We've thought all along that if Arianna committed herself, she was capable of jumping back into playing AFLW no doubt," Lovell said. 

"So, we said when she came back that hopefully it was just a stepping stone back into the premier division."