Skip to main content
Start of main content.

Heartbreak for the Bull Sharks as they look to reset during the bye

By Grace Knight

The senior men’s Bull Sharks suffered an unfortunate loss at Eximm Oval on Saturday, defeated by Coolangatta 98-59.  

Despite the final score, the game was an excellent display of skill between two genuine premiership contenders and the Bull Sharks can take confidence from their ability to fight it out until the very last second.  

The weekend also marked Pride Round with the men’s and women’s teams celebrating the inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community in the AFL and ensuring all feel welcome and supported. 

HOW IT UNFOLDED 

Having not yet played Coolangatta this season, it was clear both sides had been anticipating this clash and it was fiery from the opening bounce as each tried to gain the physical ascendancy.    

It was the Blues who handled it best from the start, capitalising on some Bull Sharks errors to kick the first three goals of the game to take a 19-point lead before the visitors finally put one on the board at the 17-minute mark.  

After regaining their confidence, the Bull Sharks revived their spirit to go goal for goal from this point up until the half time mark.  

In the third quarter the Blues offence started to really click as they surged to a 32-point lead.  

The Bull Sharks defence rose to the occasion in the final quarter and were able to halt the host’s momentum. This led to the midfield being able to provide their forwards with more opportunities, however some poor converting robbed them of the chance to reel in the margin.  

WHO’S HOT 

The Bull Sharks entire backline fought fearlessly all game long with a lot of ball in their end, putting them under immense pressure.  

Key players Jaiden Pengelly and Mack Evans took some critical marks and made ferocious tackles throughout the midfield overturning a lot of ball.  

Nathan Ratej and Kane Peeters also showed some excellent skill in the forward 50m and also played with a lot of energy which uplifted the team’s spirits throughout the entire game.  

WHAT IT MEANS 

While the score at full time was less than optimal, the Bull Sharks still remain second on the ladder with Coolangatta now closely trailing them in third.  

The Bull Shark’s bye next weekend will allow the team time to regroup in the lead up to the business end of the season.  

Carrara still holds top of the ladder, and with their upcoming match against the Bull Sharks in round 16, it will mean an exciting preview for what might be to come in the finals.  

WHAT THEY SAID 

Head coach John Chenhall was impressed by the way his players held their own at the merciless stomping grounds of Coolangatta.  

“In my eyes Coolangatta is definitely the team to beat, especially down on their grounds. It does become a hard place to win at,” Chenhall said.  

“This game was a really good learning curve for us, obviously not having played them until this late in the year.” 

He noted it is good to know what they’re up against in order to be able to plan over the next four weeks leading into their next matchup.   

“It’s a good check for us, we know we’re still a good side, we’re still second on the ladder, and now that we’ve actually played all of the top teams, we’ve just got to implement it,” he said. 

“We’ve got a bit of work to do, but we’ve got a very good team and I know we can do it.” 

IN OTHER GAMES 

The Men’s reserves dominated over the weekend with a much-needed win over Coolangatta. The Bull Sharks final score of 76-38, should leave them feeling much more confident heading into the latter half of the season.  

The Women’s seniors were also successful in their game against Maroochydore, securing a 54-28 win. With their upcoming semi-final against last year’s defending premiers, the University of Queensland, the girls will need to bring their best if they want to secure a spot in the final showdown.  

The Women’s reserves dominated their game with a commanding 69-point win over Maroochydore, putting them in a good place heading into their semi-final against Southport. 

More from Bond

  • Stephanie trades Bond for China

    Bond graduate Stephanie Smith has been named the overall Young Leader of The Australian Financial Review’s Women in Leadership Awards for 2024.

    Read article
  • An unexpected Century in the QAFLW

    This weekend Bond's QAFLW team will be celebrating their 100th game in the league. Current senior captain, Paris Lightfoot and Bond AFL board member, Sam Schiphorst talk reflect on the programs development.

    Read article
  • Amber's target

    Having already broken records and won World Championships, Amber Reinbott is no stranger to hitting her targets. This weekend she will aim for titles at the IFAA National Championships.

    Read article
  • Bond at the Olympics: Chris Fydler

    In the countdown to Paris we will celebrate Bond's proud Olympic history. In the latest edition we profile Sydney gold medalist Chris Fydler.

    Read article
  • Bull Shark line-ups are full, fit and ready

    Netball Preview: Sapphire are ready to take on top of the table Jets, who they drew against the first time they faced off this season. Ruby are playing for redemption over their round six four point loss.

    Read article
Previous Next