The Bull Sharks are coming off big wins and face opponents who have been struggling. It is the scenario that makes coaches everywhere nervous and the message this week has been clear - stay sharp and keep building.
In the QFA, we face Coomera and while the round one clash ended in a 16-goal rout, there’s no room for complacency with the business end of the season looming.
In the QAFLW we host Maroochydore. It’s our first meeting of season 2025 and both sides saw plenty of player turnover in the off season.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coomera at Coomera.
Last time we met
Rd 1, 2025 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 16.17 (113) – 4.3 (27)
Ned Spiden, Nick Francis and Oscar Pledge were among the best players as the Bull Sharks kicked off their 2025 campaign with a huge win.
The opposition
This week we play an opposition that has been really struggling. They sit at the bottom end of the table with very few wins. As always, we need to stay professional and continue to work on what has bought us success to this point of the year. And we must remember Coomera on their home ground will be up for the fight.
The challenge
Coming off such a big win against a quality opposition as Coolangatta last weekend, there can sometimes be the temptation to assume everything will just click into gear against a lesser opposition. We need to be super professional in our approach and play with the same intent and vigour as we have in previous weeks. The senior leaders and coaches will be critical in safeguarding this mindset and ensuring it is taken into this week’s game.
Shuffling the magnets
We may lose a couple of players this week through injury and to the Gold Coast Suns VFL team. There are several players in the reserves who are justified of a game in the seniors, so it will be a well-earned reward for that group of players.
Ones to watch
This week will be a week where we watch the team’s performance and how they have prepared against a lesser opposition. Alex Crow continues to impress down back, and we are keen to see him continue his run of form.
The focus
Go to Coomera with a steely mindset to continue to build our year and win convincingly. The points will come, our focus must be to kill of any energy they have and build our game.
The final word
The business end of the season is fast approaching. Every game is super important for varied reasons, and this week is no different against a wounded opposition on their home patch. There must be a clear focus on building our game and killing off the opposition early.
With Max Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Maroochydore at The Canal.
Last time we met
Rd 13, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 12.11 (83) to 3.3 (21)
The Bull Sharks tuned up for the finals with a big win against the Roos. But of the five players named in the best that day, only Shannon Nolan remains.
The opposition
They are a quick mobile team full of runners who can really hurt you with their skill if you allow them to get to the outside.
The focus
It is always stoppage and contest. If we can win centre bounce stoppage and own territory, our defensive press has been hard to penetrate. This is what allows us to repeatedly win the ball back and earn repeat shots on goal. Outnumbering the opposition at the contest and uncontested ball is also crucial.
Shifting the magnets
we welcome back Georgia Johnson and Ella Calleja into our midfield will significantly bolster that crucial part of the ground. Kiara Nihuas is in contention after a number of solid performances in our reserves in recent weeks as is Matilda Clarkson and Tara Radford.
Ones to watch
Tobi Chapman had her best game for the season across half back last week and brings dash and speed to our rebounding half back line. Shannon Nolan and Maisy Evans have controlled the midfield all season, we expect big games from all 3 players this week.
The final word
After two disappointing losses we rebounded really strongly last game. It was because we were able to get balance in our offence and defensive game. We must remain consistent in our effort and contest as we fight for a top 4 finish and the much-needed double chance come finals time.
With Andy Lovell