The Bull Sharks men's side powered away from the Tweed Coast Tigers after half-time to record a convincing 48-point win in tough away conditions. Despite a slow start, Bond found their rhythm and put the foot down in the second half, running out 12.16 (88) to 6.2 (38) winners.
While the result was pleasing, the team knows it can't afford sluggish starts against stronger opposition — a theme that has surfaced across recent weeks. Still, the way the group absorbed pressure and responded with maturity impressed Max Kennedy, who praised the leadership shown by Jed Kowald, Ned Betts, Ollie Burrows-Cheng and Tommy Bennett.
In the QAFLW, the Bull Sharks women fell to Wilston Grange 7.11 (53) to 3.1 (19) in a game that never reached the defensive or attacking standards the team sets for itself. Head coach Andy Lovell described the performance as “uncharacteristic and timid,” but said the group has already begun the hard work of reconnecting and rebuilding ahead of this weekend’s clash.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Tweed Coast Tigers at Tweed
Bull Sharks won 12.16 (86) - 6.2 (38)
How it was won
After a sluggish start the team kicked into gear and split the game wide open in the second half. We knew Tweed would come out with force and that’s exactly what they did. We simply cannot afford these slow starts against higher quality opposition, that’s taking nothing away from Tweed who were terrific most of the day.
What made you happy
Our ability to absorb the heat early and work our way back into the contest showed the ever-growing maturity within the group. Being challenged early can sometimes unsettle a young group so their ability to stay composed was again a sign of real maturation within the team.
Bull Sharks Footy
Unfortunately, there has been a common thread for some weeks now that we haven’t jumped out of the gates well enough. It's hard to quantify why, although to win the way we have been is very pleasing.
The work to do
We need to get away to good starts and build momentum rather than making up ground in games. This will be a focus again this week.
Trademark Players
Jed Kowald, Ned Betts, Ollie- Burrows-Cheng and Tommy Bennett were outstanding on the weekend. They all bring different attributes, and their individual contributions were significant.
With Max Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Wilston Grange at Wilston Grange
Bull Sharks lost 7.11 (53) - 3.1 (19)
How it was lost
We were really reactive, got comprehensively beaten in contested ball and allowed them to use their speed on the outside. We lost our customary shape on defence, which allowed them to score easy goals.
What made you happy
There wasn’t much to be happy with, I suppose the opportunity we have to redeem ourselves this weekend.
Bull Sharks Footy
Our brand of footy was lacking. I don’t think we played Bull Sharks footy, which was disappointing, and that’s why we got the result we got. It was an uncustomary and timid effort.
The work to do
We’re disconnected on offence, we’ve really got to look to rebuild our connection by hand and foot and being hard-nosed in contest. We started that process by training well on Monday night.
Trademark players
Jasmyn Davidson led by example and was terrific, but unfortunately, we had to shift her around to plug gaps, so she ended up playing in three different positions. Our captain Grace Moodie never gave up trying all day and Grace Ella was good in defence.
With Andy Lovell