The toughest road trips in Premier League Netball await the Bull Sharks this weekend.
The Sapphire Series team returns to the scene of last year’s semi-final heartbreak to face Thunder on the Sunshine Coast — a polished, SSN-aligned outfit that bundled them out of contention in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Ruby squad heads to Toowoomba for a tricky encounter with the Panthers.
Last year’s win at Nissan Arena was dominant, but it was a different story on the road, and Bond know they’ll need to be switched on from the first whistle.
Sapphire Series
Bull Sharks v Thunder at Sunshine Coast
Last time we met
2024 Semi Final
Bull Sharks lost 84-69
The Thunder bundled us out of the finals last. They were too good for us that night.
The opposition
Thunder have a solid core of SSN Reserves athletes aligned with the Sunshine Coast Lightning program. Their combinations will be well-drilled, and they’ve had a strong preparation phase heading into the season. Expect them to be cohesive and disciplined across all four quarters.
The challenge
Our focus is on continuing to build and strengthen our on-court connections. With a short turnaround following our rescheduled Wednesday night match, it's important we stay laser-focused on executing a clear and specific game plan.
Shuffling the magnets
Provided everyone pulls up well, we’re expecting to have our full squad available. That depth gives us flexibility and strong rotations across all lines. Exciting 17-year-old Mahlia Henare from our Ruby squad has been called up for this game.
Ones to watch
There’ll be key matchups right across the court. If each athlete can win their individual battle, that collective effort will go a long way towards setting us up for success.
The focus
When the game tightens, we need to rely on our structures and trust the work we've done. Staying true to our brand of netball and game model will be critical in high-pressure moments.
The final word
This is a crucial match in the context of our season. With some unpredictable results in Round 3, the ladder has become tight and volatile. Securing wins now is vital to keep us in the top four and build momentum moving forward.
Ruby Series
Bull Sharks v Darling Downs Panthers
Last time we met
Rd, 3 2024 at Toowoomba
Bull Sharks won 58-47
It wasn’t a pretty game and it showed us how much tougher the Panthers are at home. We won comfortably by 27 goals in Rd 1 at Nissan Arena last year, but it was a lot closer when we travelled there.
The opposition
They’re coming off a strong win against Redlands and will be full of confidence.
The challenge
Travelling to Toowoomba always presents a unique challenge—early starts, long travel, and a shift in temperature can all impact performance. That said, these are the hurdles the Panthers face every week, and it’s important for us to embrace the same adversity and rise to the occasion.
Shuffling the magnets
At this stage we have no changes to the lineup.
Ones to watch
Abi Houston starred last time we met, and she now lives in Canada. But it’s not about any one player. It will take a full team effort, with every player stepping up, to come away with the result we want.
The focus
We need to be switched on from the very first whistle. The Panthers have highly accurate shooters, a young, fit, and fast midcourt and a physical defensive unit. Any lapses in focus will be punished, so discipline and connection across the court will be crucial.
The final word
While last weekend’s loss was very disappointing, it presents an opportunity to learn and grow. As much as we love to win, it’s often through our losses that we gain the most. I’m looking forward to seeing how the team responds this week.
With Kim Boland