By Grace Knight
THE BASICS
This weekend the men’s senior Bull Sharks will take on the Burleigh Bombers in the knockout semi-final of the QFA Division 2 South finals.
Last weekend’s tough loss against Coolangatta Tweed has left the Bull Sharks hungry for a win as they aim to chase down their second flag in four years.
The Bull Sharks have been handed the home ground advantage which should serve them well given their consistent history of supremacy on familiar turf.
The game will take place at 1:30pm at the Bond University oval.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Burleigh and the Bull Sharks last met seven rounds ago where the Bombers gained the upper hand on their home ground with a narrow 77-74 win.
This match saw Bond’s game-long domination turned around in the final quarter where Burleigh scored a fortuitous five goals to claim their almighty comeback.
Earlier in the season the Bull Sharks posted a commanding win at home against the Bombers 113-76.
Head coach John Chenhall said the Bull Sharks were feeling positive heading into this weekend’s matchup.
“Whilst we’re always confident playing on our own turf, we’ve got to stay mindful given that our last game saw us leading by 20-odd points before they came back to beat us,” he said.
“We’ll definitely have to stay on our toes and be prepared for anything.”
RETURNING FACES
The Bull Sharks will welcome the return of some key players which will allow coach John Chenhall the freedom to structure his best possible team in preparation for this weekend.
Half-forward Hayden Carthew-Zimmer will make his return this weekend after a knee injury cost him four weeks off the field. With a reputation for strong attack in the forward lines, Carthew-Zimmer’s return should serve the Bull Sharks well in overcoming the Bombers.
After three weeks away, Grant Trew will make his comeback following a high ankle sprain. Trew’s height and strong intercepts will prove an asset in the Bull Shark’s backline.
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
Head coach John Chenhall says the battle in the mid-field will be key to winning the game.
“Especially now that we’re in the finals, the games are won in the contests and in the mid-field,” he said.
“We aim to take an offensive approach and bring some more attacking flare.”
Mindful of Burleigh’s strong forward lines, Chenhall has faith the Bull Sharks’ defence is in fine form to overcome the Bombers.
“They’ve got some good forwards, but I am confident that we have one of the strongest backlines in the competition, so that’s really key to us.”
IF WE WIN
A win this weekend in the knockout final would see the Bull Sharks head into the preliminary final taking on whoever loses the match between Carrara’s Saints and the Coolangatta Tweed Blues.
A loss this weekend will bring an early close to the Bull Sharks finals, vanquishing their dream of a 2022 flag.
IN THE OTHER GRADES
The men’s reserves will be taking on Coolangatta Tweed in a knockout semi-final, also at home.
Their last matchup saw the reserves victorious in a tight game 41-36, so fans can expect another exciting performance this weekend.
SEMI FINALS MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Saturday August 27
Reserves:
Coolangatta Tweed v Bond University 11:15am – Bond University Oval 1
Seniors:
Burleigh v Bond University 1:30pm – Bond University Oval 1