It was a big day of QFA and QAFLW action at The Canal on Saturday.
The Bull Sharks won three of their four games including an impressive victory from the senior women against UQ while the senior men were unable to get past bogey side Burleigh.
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v UQ.
Bull Sharks won 6.7 (43) to 2.5 (17)
Best: Maisy Evans, Shannon Nolan, Imogen Evans, Tahlia Meyer, Jemma Blair, Charlotte Taylor
Where it was won:
The girls’ contest and frontal pressure put UQ under massive pressure and forced them into many turnovers which we able to score from. Kicks to space and advantage were also a highlight.
The highlight:
In the first quarter we forced a turnover out of a defensive 50m stoppage. The passage of play from there was textbook. We switched the ball long to the open side of the ground and then connected with overlap handball before the angle kick into goal, exactly how we’ve been training.
What made you happy:
We were able to set the win up in the first quarter and a half, before the heavy rain came, with some scintillating football. Once it got wet and slippery, we adjusted to the conditions and played a hard tough brand. We were strong over the ball and at the body.
Bull Sharks Football:
It was a game of two different halves which required contrasting styles of footy. Early we were slick with our handball and ball movement which complimented our run and carry. Then in the second half we had to kick it forward more to take territory and defend our ground position. It was satisfying that we answered the challenge and executed well.
The work to do:
With a huge challenge ahead of us this week against Southport we have to keep improving our stoppage work and clearance rate away from contested situations. Against bigger and stronger bodies, we have to absorb the physical pressure and counterattack into space more consistently.
Trademark Player:
Maisy Evans had a breakout game as our No 1 ruck and tall forward. She took several strong overhead marks and finished her work with three goals. But it is her footy smarts that are most pleasing. She is developing nicely.
Reserves
16.9 (105) to 0.1 (1).
Best Abbey Bevan, Jasmine Single, Annabelle Foat, Aleah Stringer, Hannah Garland, Sarah Heptinstall
QFA
Bull Sharks v Burleigh.
Burleigh won 15.10 (100) 6.10 (46)
Where it was lost:
Burleigh are without doubt the form side in the competition and proved that again with a convincing win over the Bull sharks. They are a unique team in the competition where many of the players have been together for many years and play a very well structured and disciplined style which is hard to match. We were well beaten across the board in every line and never really at any point in the game looked like competing with them. We have plenty of work to do to get ourselves to their level, although we feel we absolutely can. We were outclassed as their team is stacked with talent and a game style that is very difficult to counter.
The Highlight:
The one shining light was young Hunter Booth playing in defence. A popular member of the team and a Bond Student, he was terrific all day. He competes hard, uses the ball well and is brave in taking the opposition on. He was someone who could be proud individually.
What made you happy:
There wasn’t anything at all that made us happy this week apart from acknowledging the work to be done and embracing that.
Bull Sharks Footy:
We were far away from the way we want to play in all aspects of our game style. We found ourselves on the backfoot the entire game and at no point got our game going.
The work to do:
There is plenty of work to do which is the exciting part for the group. We should welcome back some quality into the side in the next few weeks which will help. The team is a very honest one so there is a commitment on improving and a willingness to do the work which should see some better performances.
Trademark Player:
Hunter Booth was the Trademark Player this week, rock solid in defence and under attack all day.
Reserves.
Bull Sharks won 11.6 (72) to 5.9 (39)
With Andy Lovell