The Bull Sharks will run onto Ballymore Stadium on Sunday aiming for the premiership three-peat.
We ask student athletes Gabriella Rivers and Zoe Hanna to explain the secrets to the Bull Sharks’ incredible consistency and capacity for continual improvement.
What can you tell me about Shannon Symon as a coach? How has it been working with him this season?
Gabriella:
I haven’t been here for the entire season, but Shannon has worked with us before and coming in this season he has brought intensity and passion into the team. I can tell he really cares about us as people and as players. I know he has our backs, win or lose. He has full faith in us as a team which feels really good as a player. He allows us to express ourselves and our strengths on the field.
Zoe:
I think each coach brings a different style and perspective to change how we play. Shannon is a very passionate and committed man and puts his heart into everything for the girls. He is a wise coach who brings a ton of rugby IQ and rugby experience to the team which we are always grateful for.
Is the Women’s rugby program as good as you thought it would be?
Gabriella:
The women’s rugby program at Bond I think has really grown in the past couple of years. There is much more equality than before, more promotion, more opportunity. There is definitely more that needs to be done but it’s going in a positive direction. But as a foreign player, I can say that the expectation and standard of Australian rugby has been meet, for sure.
Zoe:
The women on the team are phenomenal. We have a ton of younger girls who are extremely talented and eager to continue to improve. The culture within the team is all about playing for each other and just having a good time which is all anyone could ask for.
What’s the belief like in the team heading into these finals?
Gabriella:
Going into any final there is always pressure, stress and nervousness. But, going into this final that feeling of pressure has been balanced out by the belief in ourselves and the confidence we all have in the systems of our game that Shannon, Lawrence and Beau have coached all season. If we can maintain and follow those systems, I think there would be a lot of confidence on the field.
Zoe:
The team’s belief is the same as it has always been. We go out there and play for each other. As mentioned before, we have an extremely talented team that can get the job done regardless of who we are against.
Do you have any team superstitions that play out before each game?
Gabriella:
Yes, of course. I have a specific sports bra I like to wear, it’s just the most comfortable one I own. Cold shower in the morning before I leave to wake me up and a coffee for an extra wake up call. Not sure if those count as superstitions, but habits maybe.
Zoe:
We always love to have a dance before warm-up. It’s been done before each game this season and it’s a great way to loosen up and not get too caught up in nerves. It’s a great way to get moving and have a laugh before we switch on.
How are you enjoying this season?
Gabriella:
It’s been short but very memorable. There have been some new girls, which have all brought in new personalities, playing styles, and skills. We have lots of depth, which makes playing and training more competitive. A decent mixture of experience and youth, lots of learning and growth. I can’t ask for much more.
Zoe:
I think every season has its ups and downs, that is footy, but the culture is what is most important. I love playing with this team and showing everyone just how talented all the girls are. I am immensely grateful for the season we have had so far and hopefully looking to finish it off well.
Which players do you think will make their mark in these finals?
Gabriella:
The obvious answer is Mel Wilks, she has always been a star. But I can definitely name a few more that will be making a difference. Zoe Hanna, she’s not only a workhorse, but has those moments of breaking the line at the most unsuspecting moments. Tyler Birch, she’s got good control of the game as an eyes up, ball playing number 9. And her defence is solid, she has put me down a few times in training. Dianne Waight is a stunner to watch with ball in hand. Honestly my job at centre is to get the ball to her, let her run. And Amahli Hala, the most unpredictable player, makes it impossible to defend her but very exciting to watch.
Zoe:
I don’t think anyone can go past Mel Wilks. She is a phenomenal player who has so much talent and such a great rugby IQ. Jemma Bemrose and Lucy Thorpe are other key players. They are some of the hardest working in our team so having them on the field is always a benefit. Amahli Hala is incredible also. Honestly, it's hard to pick any one player because our entire team is so talented.