by Grace Knight
The Bull Sharks will be hoping to buck a post-bye AFL trend and bring their A game to a top-of-the-table clash against the Burleigh Bombers on Saturday.
At the elite AFL level sides have been struggling to perform after the week off and the Bull Sharks are coming off a two-week hiatus.
However, coach Luke Mansbridge said the side had used the break to refresh and with only seven games remaining in their regular season, were intent on maintaining their top-two ladder position in hopes of securing a home-ground final.
Here’s what you need to know.
Last time they met
It was round 7 when Burleigh took down the Bull Sharks 9.8(62) to 6.6(43).
Mansbridge said they learned from that match-up and have since worked on the weaknesses it exposed.
“We needed to make improvements around our stoppages and contest work,” Mansbridge said.
“Since then we’ve been working really hard in those specific areas as well as our structures, and overall, I think we’ve really improved.”
Focus points
Mansbridge said spirits were high at training this week.
“Our stoppage work is the key to everything that we do - our whole game comes off the back of that,” he said.
“We’re all aware that if we go to war and really contest at the stoppages then the rest of our game seems to fall in line.”
If they win
Although Burleigh are currently undefeated, Bond’s percentage calculation of 200 in contrast to the Bombers’ 177 indicates that the Bull Sharks are at a level to challenge the ladder leaders.
With Bond only one position behind Burleigh on the QFA ladder, a win alone won’t be enough to put them into the lead.
Match day Information
Saturday, July 1
Bill Godfrey Oval, Burleigh
12:00pm reserves men
2:00pm senior men
The Bull Sharks senior women and reserves women in the QAFLW both have a bye.