New captains as Bull Sharks swim with the big fish

The Bond Bull Sharks have unveiled fresh leadership to spearhead their 2023 netball season.

Hannah Le Sage will captain Bond in the top-tier Sapphire Series, with Dakota Newson as vice-captain.

Netball Operations Manager Kim Boland said both women earned their leadership roles through solid pre-season performances.

“Both girls are really strong athletes with an ability to lead by example and bring a really positive energy,” Boland said. 

“They’ve both come to us through other franchises with a really great attitude and they’re looking toward the season with a positive outlook, which was exactly what we were looking for in captains.”

Le Sage is aiming for a top-three finish to the season.

“We’ve got such a great bunch of girls here at Bond so it’s truly an honour to be named captain,” she said. 

“I really hope that I can be a good example to others throughout the season and I’d love to see us place in the top three this year.” 

Her lieutenant Newson is grateful for the opportunity to showcase her leadership chops. 

“Though it’s only my first season with the Bull Sharks, I can already say that throughout pre-season it’s been such a great team environment and I can’t wait for our season to start,” she said.

“Although I am one of the younger players within our team, I’d still like to think that I can lead by example and I hope that we can all give 110 percent in everything that we do.”  

Another newcomer, Molly Parry, with lead the Ruby series team alongside vice-captain Lily Phillips.

“I feel honoured to be able to lead such an inspirational group of women,” Parry said. 

“I know that Bond has the capacity to win so I hope that during this season we can reinforce our vision, compete with tenacity, and take home some hardware.” 

Ruby vice-captain and Bull Sharks veteran Phillips has been playing for Bond since 2021.

“To be named vice-captain alongside Molly feels like the biggest privilege,” she said. 

“This season will be a great opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person so I couldn’t be more grateful.” 

Boland said the first round of netball season kicks off on April 22.

“Both teams are coming along really nicely and I’m looking forward to watching them in game,” she said. 

“It’s difficult to say how we’re going to match against the competition as we re-enter the Sapphire Series, but we’ve got some incredibly talented players and both our Sapphire and Ruby teams have the goal of finishing in the top four.”