A Sunday to get excited about with two Bull Sharks teams battling out elimination finals.
For the Sapphire group, it's about rising to the standard set by last year's premiership and using big game experience to best advantage.
For the younger Emerald group, it's a chance to showcase exciting next generation talent nurtured by Bond's development pathway program.
Sapphire Elimination Semi Final
6pm Sunday
Nissan Arena
The Opposition:
Titans are a tough, fast and physical team who bring plenty of intensity to the contest. We’re one apiece against them this season, so we know this will be another hard-fought battle.
The Challenge:
We need to strip it right back to what we do best. We haven’t yet found the consistency we’ve been searching for this season, but finals are a different ball game. It’s about who can execute when it matters.
Shuffling the Magnets:
We have the depth of our full squad available, with the exception of Amy Williams, and are excited to have Tehya Hysett back at training this week. Having everyone available gives us plenty of options, and we’ll need to draw on that depth throughout the game.
Ones to Watch:
This is a game where every player will need to play their role. We’ll be looking for our experienced players to lead, our younger players to embrace the opportunity, and our entire squad to contribute when their moment comes.
The Focus:
Be present. We’re not looking beyond the next few days or getting caught up in what comes after this game. Our focus is on preparation, connection and executing the things we know we do well.
Final Word:
There’s no doubt the Gold Coast rivalry adds something special to this contest, but more importantly, it’s a great showcase of the quality of netball we have right here on the Gold Coast. To have two local franchises battling it out in the top four is something to be proud of, and we’re looking forward to being part of what should be a great finals contest.
Bond University Bull Sharks v Ipswich Jets
Emerald Elimination Semi Final
1.30pm Sunday
Nissan Arena
The Opposition
We know they’ll bring the heat. They’ve got a strong defensive unit and a lethal two-point shooter who can change the game in an instant.
The Challenge
For us, it’s about staying present, staying composed and staying in our bubble. We need to focus on what we can control, trust our game plan and execute under pressure.
Shuffling the Magnets
We’ve got eleven talented players, so it’s about reading the game and knowing when to inject the right player at the right time. Everyone has a role to play, and we’ll trust our ability to make the right calls when the game demands it.
Ones to Watch
This is a strong, connected team, and everyone has played a part in getting us to this moment. Now it’s about locking in, executing the crucial moments and trusting each other. The squad has got us here now it’s up to them.
The Focus
Stay in the moment, win the ball and put points on the board. It’s as simple as that. We need to embrace the pressure, back ourselves and play our game.
Final Word
It’s been a fiercely fought competition, and the top four have brought it every week. We set out at the start of the season to make finals, and we’ve ticked that box. Now we get to have a crack on Sunday and see what happens.
Most importantly, I want people to watch the talent coming through the Bond pathways. The future is bright, and it’s incredibly exciting to see these players stepping up, embracing the challenge and showing what they can do.