The Bull Sharks will embark on the toughest road trip in the QFA when they take on reigning premiers Coolangatta on their home deck on Saturday.
In the QAFLW, the girls face the unknown in the form of newly elevated club Moreton Bay who will make the trip south to The Canal.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Coolangatta at Coolangatta
Last time we met
2024 Qualifying Final at Coolangatta
Bull Sharks lost 8.3 (61) - 6.6(42)
The opposition
We play our arch enemies in last year's premiers Coolangatta. They have been a very strong club under ex-Brisbane lions and Gold Coast Suns player, Pierce Hanley. They are a skilful and well organised team. We have found ourselves in some epic battles with them over the journey, this week will be no different on their home deck.
The challenge
There is no bigger challenge in this competition than Coolangatta at their home venue. We need to bring the same amount of defensive pressure on to their key ball users that we produced in round one and it is critical that we adapt to the ground conditions. We will concentrate squarely on us and what we need to do and back ourselves in.
Shuffling the magnets – There is a slight injury doubt over Nick Bare who has an ankle complaint but apart from that the team should go in relatively unchanged.
Ones to watch - The Blues have a very talented midfield and some strike power up forward. We match them in that department and will back our players to win their positions. Our talent and running power through the likes of Nick Francis, Dan Middleton and Jed Kowald will challenge them.
The focus
Going into enemy territory, we are absolutely focused on us and what we need to do. We know we have the weapons to win the game. We must weather the storm and when we get an opportunity to score, we must capitalise. They will not go away so every opportunity to score must be taken.
The final word
We can't wait to play this mob. The boys have trained with a steely focus this week and a genuine confidence off the back of the weekend's performance.
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Moreton Bay at The Canal
The opposition
Moreton Bay are a new team in the comp. We will respect them just as much as we did UQ.
The challenge
We need to deliver the same brand of footy without our 10 Gold Coast Suns academy girls who are out this week. We need to deliver the same type of energy, spirit and contest work which I’m really confident we can do.
Shuffling the magnets
We are excited to include Sydney Swans star Ruby Sargent-Wilson into our team this week. The former Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship recipient has been cleared by the Swans for a one off performance back at the Bull Sharks where it all started for her. Some of reserves players have given themselves a chance to come into the senior team. Bella Davies with her play across half forward, Georgia Hamilton through midfield and Aleira Usher on the wing were good. Abby Bevan as full forward had a standout game and small forwards Sienna Merry and Trinity Ella are all in contention to play.
Ones to watch
Skye White has really improved and Tobi Chapman has been great across half back so we will look to move her through the midfield this week. Our new recruit Kendra Blattman has dominated and been great for us.
The focus
Our 16-player defensive press, that’s what we’re trying to build. Last weekend, UQ couldn’t get the ball into their forward line because of our press so that's our keen focus.
The final word
Without our academy girls there is an enormous opportunity for our home-grown girls to step up and take the chance that they’ve wanted for a long time. It's critical that we continue to build on last week's form and that will be done through effort and everyone playing their role for the team.
With Andy Lovell