This weekend, our women take on their biggest challenge of the season in Southport. In what will be a QAFLW grand final rematch, they’ll need to match Southport’s dominant midfield and high tempo brand of footy.
Coach Andy Lovell is pleased to have a full-strength list following last weekend’s bye and says that if his squad are consistent across all four quarters, they are capable of testing Southport on their home turf.
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Southport at Fankhauser Reserve
Last time we met
Round 3, 2024 at The Canal
Bull Sharks lost 9.7 (61) to 5.3 (33)
Southport beat us in uncontested possession, and they scored their goals directly off the back of our turnovers. They had two really dominant midfielders in Steph O'Brien and Chiara Zaraffa. Essentially, Southport took their chances a little bit better than we did.
The opposition
Southport are undefeated and at the top of ladder, they’re playing a really high tempo run and stun game. They’ve defeated everyone by over an average of 100 points except for us. They present a huge challenge, but we’re excited to test ourselves against the form team of the competition.
The challenge
The challenge is to try and match them in the midfield, it’s they’re greatest strength. Southport’s Steph O’Brien, Chiara Zaraffa and Maighan Fogas are a really strong, contested ball team in the middle. So, trying to get the stoppage and contest game on our terms will be the biggest challenge.
Shuffling the magnets
We should be close to full strength. We have the opportunity to pick our best team for the year; we have our three Queensland players back and the three U18 Queensland girls are avail. Choosing both teams this week will be tough, but it’s great that we will have a full-strength list as we’ll need it against Southport.
Ones to watch
Ella Calleja is coming back into the team after being in USA for three games, she really lifts and helps us hit the scoreboard with her ball use. Shannon Nolan had an absolute standout season and has been dominating in the midfield. Jasmine Davidson on a wing has given us some real run, spark and energy and we’re looking forward to having Kendra Blattman back on our forward line.
The focus
The focus is to try and limit their scoring especially off turnover, because their running game is so strong. Our forward 50 entries must be clean, and we have to avoid intercept marks.
Final word
To be the best you have to beat the best. We’re really looking forward to the challenge, I feel like our best footy is capable of testing them but we’re still searching for consistency across four quarters.
With Andy Lovell
QFA
Bye
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