Clear path to semi-final

The Bull Sharks have survived a late scare from the Aspley Hornets in the penultimate round of the regular QAFLW season to cement themselves in second position on the ladder. 

Bond’s 34-13 win ended the finals hopes of Aspley who were banking on home ground advantage to help them defeat the University for the second time this year. 

TALKING POINTS 

Before the game proud Woolwonga and Kukatj player Lateesha Jeffrey gave an inspiring speech about what NAIDOC Week meant to her and the significance of players wearing the club’s Indigenous guernseys.  

Bond would have preferred a more explosive start as Aspley produced a goal within the first few minutes. The visitors desperately tried to respond but went into the first quarter break with one behind.  

Aspley’s second and last major of the day came in the final quarter and enabled the hosts to get within a kick of Bond.   

But the Bull Sharks unmatched physicality and cool heads prevented another sting from the Hornets.  

WHO’S HOT 

Teagan Tatlock and Alinah Eddy worked overtime in the engine room, highlighting their two-way work rate.  

Head coach Luke Mansbridge was pleased with how the forward line structure continues to improve in the lead up to finals.    

Veteran Lateesha Jeffrey was moved from fullback to full-forward linking with younger players Bella Iverach and Mya Cozzuol who kicked three goals between them.   

WHAT IT MEANS 

Bond has now moved to second on the ladder on 36 points, two behind leaders the University of Queensland.  

The Southport Sharks have slipped to third following their loss to the University of Queensland in round 15. 

If the Bull Sharks defeat fourth placed Maroochydore next weekend the most likely outcome is that Bond will play the University of Queensland at St Lucia in the first semi-final.  

WHAT THEY SAID 

“Bond’s tackle pressure was really strong all day which put us in the box seat, but Aspley put up a good fight for most of the day,” said Bond University’s General Manager of AFL Michael Swann.  

“Our leadership on the field helped steady the ship and our girls were able to dig deep and come through with the goods.” 

IN OTHER GAMES  

The women’s reserves team trounced Aspley 105-6 to be sitting in a commanding position on top of the ladder, six points clear of nearest rivals Coorparoo.  

Mardi Hornby repeated her seven-goal haul from round 13 to push her credentials for a call up to the senior’s side.  

Heartbreak for Bond’s men’s seniors who led all day against the Burleigh Bombers before the hosts staged an almighty comeback in the final quarter. Burleigh kicked five goals to one to win by three points.  

The loss means Bond has moved from first to second on the ladder, two points behind Carrara with five rounds of the home and away season remaining.  

The Burleigh Bombers were also successful against Bond men’s reserves team posting a 66-53 win.