The Bull Sharks have ushered in a new era of leadership ahead of the 2025 Sapphire Series season, with Sophie Westover named captain and Georgia Bodle and Maddison Ryan stepping into vice-captain roles.
The announcement follows the retirement of long-time skipper Hannah Le Sage, who played a pivotal role in Bond’s return to the state league in 2023 and has been widely praised by teammates and coaches as the heart of the club.
Westover, who joined Bond from Adelaide in 2024, brings elite experience to the captaincy after a standout year that included appearances for the Sunshine Coast Lightning Bolts in the Suncorp Super Netball reserves.
“Being named captain of this playing group is an incredible honour, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside G and Mads,” she said.
“I’ve always embraced leadership roles—both formal and informal—and have been passionate about fostering a strong, positive team culture in every sporting environment I’ve been part of. While the title of captain won’t change my approach to the season, I’m incredibly proud to have earned the trust of the coaches and my teammates.”
Westover said she hoped to honour the foundations laid by Le Sage, while also identifying areas for growth.
“I strongly believe that culture builds the foundation of any high-performance team,” she said.
“Hannah made a lasting impact on ours, especially during Bond’s rebuild into the Sapphire competition.
“I hope, working alongside the coaching staff, girls and leadership group, to continue to build on what she helped create, while also reflecting on and addressing any gaps within the culture and club so we continue to raise the bar.”
Vice-captain Georgia Bodle joined the Bull Sharks in late 2023 after relocating from New Zealand.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the leadership team for 2025, and I’m truly honoured to lead such an incredible group of players,” she said.
“Being trusted with this responsibility means a great deal to me. Leadership is something I continually strive for—to encourage, challenge, support, and inspire those around me to be their best.”
Bodle described Le Sage as a “team-first player” who set the standard for those around her.
“Hannah undoubtedly leaves big shoes to fill. She brought a strong presence and was always a team-first player, setting a high standard for those around her. “
“I aim to bring my own leadership style, which includes a focus on accountability and encouraging each of us to continually strive to be better versions of ourselves every day.”
For fellow vice-captain Maddison Ryan, the new role is another chapter in a journey that began when she left her former club in search of a fresh start.
“This is my 3rd year at Bond. I had been playing for another franchise for 7 years and found myself in need of a new opportunity,” she said.
“I wasn’t super keen on the travel but after meeting with Kim (Boland) and Bec (Stower) there was nowhere else I wanted to go,” Ryan said.
“Being named as one of the captains of this team means the absolute world. I’ve been here since Bond was reintroduced to Sapphire in 2023 and I feel like I have been a part of the rebuilding phase of Bond Bull Sharks. I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to contribute to our team and our club's development in another way.”
Ryan said her time playing under Le Sage had shaped her own leadership style.
“Hannah was the heart of Bond and I think she taught me a lot about how to be an effective leader,” she said.
“There were so many things she did so well as our club captain that we as a leadership group have carried over into this year.”