For a local derby barely four years old, Bond's crosstown rivalry with Gold Coast Titans rarely disappoints. As things stand, the ledger stands at three wins apiece with an average winning margin of four goals. These games are always tight, tense and tough.
SAPPHIRE
Carrara Indoor Sports Centre
4pm Sunday
with Bec Stower
The Opposition
Titans are always a tough opponent, particularly on their home court. Indigenous Round creates a fantastic atmosphere, with a big crowd and plenty happening around the game, and they'll be looking to use that energy to their advantage. They'll come out with plenty of confidence, so it's important we match their intensity from the first whistle.
The Challenge
We come into this round after a double-header that delivered one excellent performance and one valuable lesson. Against Thunder, we were clinical. The group executed the game plan, trusted one another and played with discipline across all four quarters. Sunday's game against Jets was a tale of two very different teams. We started exactly how we wanted, racing out to an 8-1 lead, before allowing Jets to gain confidence and momentum. As our trust and composure slipped, we moved away from the style of netball that has been our strength all season.
One thing we've spoken about this week is that losses often provide the greatest opportunity for growth. We've reviewed the game honestly, taken accountability and shifted our focus to the next challenge. Playing Titans at their home venue always brings another level of excitement and distraction, so staying in our bubble and focusing on what we can control will be critical.
Shuffling the Magnets
Selection this week will again depend on player availability. We may be without Jayden Molo and Brooke Lacey as they continue their commitments with the Black Swans. Their availability will depend on their training loads and whether they return injury and niggle free. Amy Williams also remains unavailable as she continues to recover from her ankle injury.
Regardless of who takes the court, our expectations don't change. Every player understands their role, and we've built confidence in our depth throughout the season. Whoever earns the opportunity will be ready to step in and contribute.
Ones to Watch
This week, our focus isn't on individuals—it's on us. When we trust our systems, stay connected and execute our roles, we're a very difficult team to beat. We know our strengths, we know our strategies and we know the style of netball that has brought us success. Our challenge is to stay true to that identity for the full 60 minutes.
The Focus
This week is about getting back to our bread and butter. We'll simplify our approach and focus on executing the fundamentals that have served us well all season. We need to trust the game plan, stay connected under pressure, value possession, defend with intent and play with confidence and freedom. The occasion shouldn't change how we play. Indigenous Round is a fantastic celebration of culture and community, but once the whistle blows, our focus must remain on executing our game and backing one another.
Final Word
This is an important game for our group. Not because of what happened last weekend, but because of how we respond. The best teams aren't defined by never losing—they're defined by how quickly they learn, adapt and move forward. We've had honest conversations this week, we've taken accountability and now it's time to put those lessons into action.
We'll remain connected, back one another and trust the work we've put in. If we play Bull Sharks netball with composure, confidence and trust, we'll give ourselves every opportunity to come away with an important win.
Be bold. Be Bond.
RUBY
Carrara Indoor Sports Centre
2pm Sunday
with Gav Clarke
There are some games that carry a little extra significance, and this weekend is certainly one of them. Local derbies always bring an added edge, and when you come up against a quality Titans outfit sitting above us on the ladder, you know you’re in for a genuine contest. These are the games players love to be part of—the intensity rises, every possession matters and momentum can change in an instant.
The Opposition
The Titans have built a strong season through consistent performances and have earned their position near the top of the table. They are a disciplined side that values possession, applies relentless defensive pressure and has the ability to punish mistakes. They’ll arrive full of confidence, and we’ll need to match their intensity from the opening whistle.
The Challenge
After two heartbreaking losses against Thunder and Jets in our double-header weekend we are encouraged by the fight we have shown and some of the free-flowing netball we are playing. Our challenge now is to learn from those moments, respond with resilience and convert those fine margins into winning ones. The opportunity is there; now it’s about taking it.
Shuffling the Magnets
Our squad remains unchanged for this important game.
Ones to Watch
The Titans possess quality right across the court, but their ability to generate momentum through transition and capitalise on turnovers will be something we’ll need to limit. Equally, this is another opportunity for our leaders to stand tall and for every player to make an impact through repeated efforts, defensive intent and smart decision-making.
The Focus
When we play our brand of netball—dynamic movement, quality ball speed, disciplined defence and complete trust in one another—we are capable of matching anyone in this competition.
Final
Derby games aren’t won on paper or by ladder position—they’re won through courage, effort and connection.
This weekend presents a fantastic opportunity to respond, to grow and to show exactly who we are as a team. We respect the Titans and the quality they bring, but we’ll walk onto court believing in ourselves, embracing the challenge and fighting for every contest.
'Be Brave, Be Bold , Be Bond!'