It was a challenging weekend for the Bull Sharks across the Sapphire, Ruby and M-League competitions with all three teams falling short despite moments of promise.
The Sapphire squad looked in control at times against Thunder, building a seven-goal buffer before errors crept in and allowed the home side back into the contest. In the Ruby match, the Bull Sharks dominated early against the Panthers but couldn't sustain the pressure through the middle quarters.
Meanwhile, in M-League, a seasoned Wildcats outfit tested our structures and forced tough decisions under pressure.
Sapphire Series
Bull Sharks v Thunder at Sunshine Coast
Bull Sharks lost 62–58
How it was lost
Despite taking control at several points in the match, including building a lead of up to seven goals, we were unable to push on and break the game open. Uncharacteristic errors crept in and allowed Thunder back into the contest. In the final quarter, we struggled to generate momentum when it mattered most. Thunder are a gritty, relentless team and they capitalised when we didn’t take our opportunities. The introduction of Kristiana Manu’a, with her wealth of SSN experience (Giants, Mavericks, and now Lightning), brought added pressure and disrupted our attacking rhythm. Her presence forced hesitation in our ball release, which stalled our usually free-flowing style.
What made you happy
There were flashes of brilliance. When we’re on, our scoring power is phenomenal, however sustaining that level for a full 60 minutes continues to be a challenge. Those glimpses show exactly what we’re capable of.
Bull Sharks Netball
I’m incredibly proud of this group. We play for each other, and the support shown on court is unwavering. That unity is a key part of our identity.
The work to do
With the conclusion of the SSN Reserves season, we’re expecting more consistent training numbers. While we’ll still manage a few absences with Firebirds training partner duties and NQ Academy commitments, we're aiming to lock in at least one weekly session with the full squad. That consistency will allow us to sharpen the strategic elements of our game and build stronger cohesion.
Trademark Players
This week, it was difficult to single out individuals. As a unit, we lacked the cohesion, consistency, and trust needed to close out the game. It’s an area we’re fully committed to improving, together.
With Rebecca Stower
Ruby Series
Bull Sharks v Panthers at Toowoomba
Bull Sharks lost 65–52
How it was lost
Despite a strong start and winning both the 1st and 4th quarters, we couldn’t contain the Panthers' sharp shooting, particularly during Super Shot time in the second and third quarters. Our lack of consistency ultimately cost us. After leading 10–2 in the opening quarter, we had an opportunity to take control but instead took our foot off the pedal and paid the price.
What we’re proud of
There were promising glimpses of the netball we know we’re capable of, especially in the first 10 minutes and the closing 5 minutes of the match. Our challenge now is to extend those moments across the full 60 minutes.
Bull Sharks Netball
We’ve got a great group of girls who genuinely care about each other and the team. That’s what makes these recent performances sting even more—we know they’re not reflective of our standards. We’re committed to bouncing back stronger this week.
The work to do
It’s time to learn from the last two disappointing results and reset for the weekend ahead. The competition is extremely tight. We'll dive into the stats and match footage to pinpoint our focus areas and gear up for a massive double-header.
Trademark Players
It’s hard to single anyone out—we win as a team, and we lose as a team. This week was tough, and while there were good moments, we all shared in the challenges too.
With Kim Boland
M-League
Bull Sharks vs Wildcats
Bull Sharks lost 68-44
How it was lost
A very experienced and tenacious Wildcats team came out firing and we were unable to consistently implement our game structures under immense pressure. Our attacking midcourt- shooter connections were also challenged as the Wildcats defenders forced us to release balls into highly contested spaces.
What made you happy
We continued to make adjustments in the game and defensively we had a lot of gains that we just couldn’t consistently turn into goals. But we were proud of our intent and ability to continually go again.
Bull Sharks Netball
We are a brand-new team developing trust and cohesion each and every week. We pride ourselves on being direct and supportive of each other and we saw glimpses of this on the weekend. Despite the loss we held our heads high. You never lose if you learn and we will put this in action this week during training.
The work to do
We need to continue to development refinement and consistency in our structures.
Trademark Player
We believe in team above all things but a shout out to Sharks captain Glenn Ormesher who has been quite ill this past week but showed up, slapped on his bib, and gave it his all.
With Gavin Clarke