Bull Sharks netball soared to new heights in 2024 with finals appearances for the Sapphire and Ruby squads and a host of representative honours to star players.
And the foundations for the future were also solid with record numbers going through the cubs program and the development squad reaching the finals of the Elite Premier League.
We asked Head of Netball Kim Boland to wrap up season 2024 and to provide an insight on where the improvement will come from next year.
The season highlight?
We made club history when our Ruby and Sapphire teams make the finals for the first time together. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the athletes and coaching staff. It was a breakthrough season that demonstrated the growth and potential of Bull Sharks Netball.
What worked and what didn’t?
Our athletes displayed exceptional teamwork and unity, with solid performances from everyone each week. The strong bond between players, coaches, and staff was a key factor in our success, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.
The summer plans:
This off-season the focus will be on building on this season's success. Recruitment will target athletes who can add depth to our squads, while off-season training will emphasise consistency, strength, and fitness. Our expectations are to make another strong run into the finals next season and to develop our athletes further, both individually and as a team.
What did you learn:
The biggest learning curve was managing athlete availability across both squads. With several athletes selected for higher honours and others sidelined by injuries, our training sessions and games were rarely attended by the entire original squad. This, however, taught us valuable lessons in flexibility and adaptability, which we’ll carry into the next season.
The standouts:
Toni Gisinger and Jen Macaulay our Sapphire and Ruby Managers, went above and beyond for our club and our athletes. Their dedication, organisation, and commitment have been invaluable and are deeply appreciated by everyone involved.
Expect big things from:
Expect big things from Bull Sharks Netball Club as a whole next season. With the talent and dedication across all our teams, we’re poised for remarkable performances and achievements on and off the court.
Awards won:
The Netball Queensland Awards are on in October and we have several nominees. Lauren Aubrey finalist Katie Walker Medal as the Sapphire Series MVP. Harriet Nicholson finalist for Ruby Series MVP. Kaylin van Greunen is a finalist for 19U State Team Most Valuable Player Award.