It was a strong weekend for the Bull Sharks across both senior footy programs, with convincing wins in the QFA and QAFLW competitions.
While the men had to overcome a slow start against Coomera, the women came out firing in Maroochydore to record their most dominant performance of the season.
In the QFA clash, the Bull Sharks were made to earn it early before pulling away in the second half for a 50-point win. A late change saw Josh Lanham step into the ruck with authority, while key contributors around the ground helped steady the side after a patchy start.
Up north, the QAFLW side turned on a clinic, piling on 12 goals to one in a complete team performance. With 55 inside 50s and a relentless defensive press, Bond controlled the game from the outset.
Shannon Nolan continued her standout season, while Ella Calleja made a memorable return from international flag football duties with three goals and a dominant midfield display.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coomera at Coomera
Bull Sharks won 12.18 (90) – 6.4 (40)
How it was won
As expected, Coomera came to play on the weekend and gave us a scare early in the game. We managed to kick away late in the third quarter to win the game convincingly, in what can only be described as an ugly win.
What made you happy
Given the team’s lacklustre start to the game, it was pleasing to see them switch into gear and to win by a substantial margin. We had to make a late change given one of our players was ill. Josh Lanham came into the team and was terrific playing most of the game in the ruck where he dominated that position. We had winners all over the ground which was also pleasing to have so many contributors.
Bull Sharks Footy
For parts of the game we played our game style, but we did drift away from this at times by trying to be too cute with the footy and turning the ball over. There were passages that looked nothing like us and patches where we looked irresistible, it was one of those games.
The work to do
No matter the opposition we need to remain professional and play the way that has us sitting on top of the ladder. For periods we did get away from our game style and tried to do too much with ball in hand and paid the price. If we want to be a really good side the gap between our good and the poor performances needs to be less.
Trademark Players
Jack Avage was outstanding again winning his footy at the contest. He moved forward at times and had seven scoring shots. Josh Lanham was the late inclusion and was a clear winner in the ruck. Our back six were once again very solid, Flynn Ayton, Alex Crow and Nick Bare were the standouts.
With Max Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Maroochydore at The Canal
Bull Sharks won 12.13 (85) – 1.2 (8)
How it was won
We set the win up with a dominant first quarter display of stoppage clearance work and high physical pressure. While we lapsed a little in the second quarter but were able to reset and we had a strong second half.
What made you happy
Our defensive press mechanics were consistent. We had 55 forward 50m entries to 18 which meant we won ground position and rarely gave it up to them. This gave us many repeat shots on goal.
Bull Sharks Footy
Our whole focus is on team first footy, and I felt we adhered to that mantra all game. We shared the ball around by hand well, and our willingness to find a girl in a better position to take the shot on goal was pleasing.
Trademark Player
It was difficult to split a returning Ella Calleja, who was away for three weeks in the USA with the National NFL Flag Team, and Shannon Nolan. Ella dominated through the middle of the ground with her elite kicking and marking skills and she finished with three goals. Shannon continued her outstanding season with another polished display. She has developed a great balance between her offensive game and her defensive intent and is quickly developing into an A grade midfielder.
The work to do
We have the bye this weekend and will be looking to improve on a few areas before the biggest challenge in the QAFLW, Southport at Fankhauser Reserve. The Sharks are dominating the competition at present. If we can get our game style and contest intent right, we feel we can compete strongly across four quarters.
With Andy Lovell.