What a season! There are not enough superlatives to describe what the Bull Sharks have collectively achieved this year.
Surely this is Bond’s greatest winter sports season in almost 40 years of competition. Premierships in Rugby, AFL and Netball, including historic first cups in Men’s Rugby and Netball.
Over three successive weeks, the Bull Sharks have proudly saluted and represented the University’s honour with distinction. There is a feeling of immense pride across campus which has brought an unparalleled level of vibrancy and energy created by the achievements of respective sports teams.
The freight train to the coast is roaring and the trophy cabinet is full. Messages of support and congratulations have flowed in from all over Australia and overseas from former students and past players.
All of the victories have been hard-earned coming from behind. Remarkably, every premiership was won in the last minute of each game demonstrating the indelible Bull Shark brand of never-say-die and competing until the last breath. An incredible effort by all involved. Hollywood could not have scripted this.
Moreover, every victory was a true team effort. While the players will take the much-deserved limelight, each team is built on a squad and each premiership has its share of hard luck stories of players who suffered injury or narrowly missed selection; players such as Alex Crow (AFL), Harry Bell (Rugby) and Joesi Gisinger (Netball). The Bull Sharks mantra of ‘team-first’ has never been demonstrated so palpably as this season.
This year’s Annual Blues Awards will be one to savour for the ages. The award for the Team of the Year could go to any number of teams. Premierships galore and ‘first-evers’ everywhere. The selection panel has an almost impossible task to select the inaugural Glenn Corcoran Coach of the Year Award.
I thank and congratulate all of the players and students who have performed so admirably over the gruelling season.
I acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the coaches, assistants and support staff.
The Bond Sport team has been superb in managing the various clubs, promoting the games and stories (thanks to the Bond Newsroom), and ensuring that our teams are the best prepared in their respective competitions. In particular, I acknowledge the leadership of Director of Sport Mike Collins who has implemented a strategy of excellence in coaching, individual player development, and flexibility in letting each team chart their own course.
The support of our sponsors has been fantastic, and I look forward to convincing them that a premiership is worth a top-up investment for next year!
“Finally, thank you to the Bull Sharks supporters, including parents who have followed our journey over the years, often flying to the Gold Coast from interstate on weekends to provide unconditional support to their loved ones in realising their sporting dreams. Ambition loves company!”
Next season, the hunter becomes the hunted! But for now, let’s celebrate in true Bond fashion. Go the mighty Bull Sharks!