The Bull Sharks will be hoping to match the feats of 2023 and defend their premierships when the seniors and reserves both contest QAFLW Grand Finals against Southport at people First Stadium on Sunday.
In the QFA, the seniors will play Carrara in a knock-out Semi-Final while the reserves will be playing for a spot in the Grand Final against Burleigh.
QAFLW
Grand Final
Bond v Southport
Last time they met:
Round 8 at Fankhauser Reserve.
Bull Sharks lost 8.6 (54) to 4.4 (28).
Best: Ella Calleja, Tahlia Meyer, Paris Lightfoot, Mia Salisbury, Charlotte Taylor, Nyalli Milne
On reflection:
That loss was a wakeup call for us. We went back to the drawing board and realigned our game plan and style of play based off what happened that day. We reset our defensive structures and changed the way we move the ball out of our back line.
The opposition:
They are a formidable foe given they have a really good balance of physical contest and speed and run. They are well drilled and tend to try blow opposition teams off the park at the start of games. We feel we have the game to match them. We will need to start strongly.
Shuffling the magnets:
Both squads are likely to remain similar to last week. We may look to make one change in each sider depending on structure and how we match up against the opposition.
Ones to watch:
Sophie Balcombe was a cornerstone of our defence last week, shutting down the opposition’s best forward and providing plenty of rebound. Our captain Paris Lightfield continues her rich vein of form and gives plenty of run and dash.
The focus:
The focus will be to stick to our game plan, make sure we match them in the contest and not allow their key forwards to dominate. They have a strong and experienced midfield so our organisation and connection around stoppages will be critical.
The final word:
It’s a real honour to be back in the Grand Final this year with both teams again. This year we have faced many challenges but the girls in both squads have been able to rise above in pursuit of their dreams for the season. We are determined to give it our best shot to bring home both cups.
Reserves
Bond v Southport.
Last time they met:
2024 Qualifying Final at Fankhauser Reserve.
Bull Sharks lost 4.3 (27) to 4.2 (26).
Best: Andria Heard, Sarah Heptinstall, Grace Ella, Tobi Chapman, Jasmine Single, Isabelle Lowe
QFA
Semi-Final
Bond v Carrara at The Canal.
Last time they met:
Rd 14, 2024 at Neilsen Oval.
Bull Sharks lost 9.10 (64) to 9.9 (63).
Best: Jack O'shea, Darcy Dienjes, Ryan Dienjes, Felix Packer, Wyatt Bacon
On reflection:
A brave effort last time at Carrara’s home ground. Bookended by a really strong start and finish but unfortunately, we fell short by one point. We need to bring four quarters of consistency this week.
The opposition:
They are a really hard and tough team. Really strong inside contested ball and a well-coached and well drilled. We will need to match them in that area and look to get the ball to the outside where we can run and carry.
Shuffling the magnets:
Last week we were missing six of our best players. We are likely to gain Jack O’Shea back from injury, Ryan Deinjes from an ankle and potentially Felix Packer from a soft tissue injury depending on fitness tests on Thursday night.
Ones to watch:
Ollie Burrows-Cheng was best on ground last week with a fine performance through the midfield, while Liam Viney has also had an outstanding season in our midfield pack. Our Riewoldt Family AFL Scholarship holder, Nicholas Francis give us plenty of drive off half back with his run and speed.
The focus:
We really need to try switch the ball off half back and attack through the corridor, as we were too straight-lined last week. In order to take advantage of our speed we need to take the ball to the outside where we can run and carry. That way we give our under manned and undersized forward line a chance to mark the ball.
The final word:
It’s a do or die gain, Win and we go to the preliminary final. The boys are preparing for a huge effort to continue our season for at least another week. While we have been decimated by injury to key players, on the back of a very brave effort last week v Coolangatta away we are confident we can bring the game to Carrara.
Reserves
Qualifying Final
Bond v Burleigh at Burleigh
Last time they met:
Round 15, at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 5.6 (36) to 2.3 (15).
Best: Ethan Shovelton, Joshua Clark, Alex Crow, Jack Mitchell, Adam Forward.
With Andy Lovell