Andy Lovell arrived at Bond with a big reputation and even bigger ambitions - but guiding all four Bull Sharks teams into finals for a third straight year, despite the constant player turnover of a student club and the annual talent drain to the AFLW draft, is an achievement of rare quality.
In the three years of the Lovell era at Bond University, the Bull Sharks have become one of the most consistently competitive AFL clubs in Queensland.
The final round of the QFA and QAFLW season saw the Bull Sharks senior men claim the minor premiership, the QAFLW reserves finished second and the men’s reserves and QAFLW seniors were third.
And it all happened on a bumper day at The Canal in front of the biggest crowd of the season.
In the QFA, the Bull Sharks’ trademark speed and fitness were on full display in a 50-point dismantling of reigning premiers Coolangatta.
The men not only jumped out to an early lead but maintained their pressure for four quarters, delivering what Matthew Kennedy described as “Bull Sharks footy in its purest form.”
The QAFLW seniors also made a statement, comfortably accounting for Coorparoo with a complete team performance — built on contest work and defensive structure — and capped off by a milestone for Kendra Blattman, who in her debut season at the club was crowned the league’s leading goalkicker with 40 goals from 16 rounds.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coolangatta at The Canal
Bull Sharks won 14.9 (93) - 6.7 (43)
How it was won
The slow starts might be a thing of the past as the team jumped out of the blocks with great intent and hit the scoreboard early. We knew the quality of the opposition and their willingness to make a statement against us. Our early scoreboard pressure took the wind out of their sails, with the game really opening up from late in the first quarter.
What made you happy
Like most games this season we continued to outwork the opposition until the very end. We had winners in every position on the ground and didn’t waiver from our gameplan throughout the course of the match. The evenness of contribution was what made the coaching staff the happiest this week.
Bull Sharks Footy
This game represented Bull Sharks footy in its purest form. Pressure the opposition into submission, build scoreboard pressure, and run them off their feet.
The work to do
We need to continue to tidy up our foot skills. On occasion we try and bite too much off through the middle of the ground and play on at every opportunity. We need to control the ball, take the heat of the game and play with composure.
Trademark players
Josh Lanham in the ruck was outstanding again for us. Nick Francis continued his rich vein of form which is arguably the best in the competition at the moment. Special shout outs should also go to Jed Kowald, Tommy Bennett, Ollie Burrows-Cheng, and Oscar Pledge who were standout performers on the day. Hunter Booth and Archie Prime were also terrific down back.
With Matthew Kennedy
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Coorparoo at The Canal
Bull Sharks won 10.7 (67) - 3.2 (20)
How it was won
We dominated centre bounce, which meant that we owned territory and were able to get repeat inside 50s. It was a 21-player effort, there were no passengers. It's our best footy for the year.
What made you happy
I’m really happy with how even our performance was. It was difficult to find our best players because everyone played well. The spread of contributors has been the key to our form over the last three weeks.
Bull Sharks Footy
We base our game on contest and team defence. Our contest work was first class. The pressure applied by our forwards allowed our mid and defenders to set up with really good defensive shape behind the ball.
The work to do
The work is to continue to just keep it simple. We don’t need superstars, we just need everyone playing their role, that leads to trust which leads to consistency.
Trademark players
Ella Calleja, Jasmyn Davidson, and Aleisha Withers were all standouts in the contest. Annabel Foat gave us great drive through the midfield and Shannon Nolan continued her stellar season with her outside run and carry.
With Andy Lovell