The Bull Sharks men and women are on the road this weekend. The QFA side were stung by their performance against Burleigh last week and are desperate for redemption against Ballina while in the QAFLW, the women hope to solidify their spot in the top two against powerhouse Southport.
QFA
Bond v Southern Stingrays at Ballina.
Last time we met:
Rd 2, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 25.14 (164) to 3.2 (20)
Best: Hamish Furphy, Liam Viney, Oliver Burrows-Cheng, Will King, Nick Scott, Jack Tilley
The opposition:
The combination of Byron and Ballina outfits make up the fresh Southern Stingrays side in 2024. With some quality members in their ranks, they are not to be taken lightly. They will be a different challenge on their home deck as they play well down there.
Shuffling the magnets:
We will be seeing a few changes this week, some which are forced and others due to players returning. A major inclusion for us this week is Ben Holman, a quality key backman who will stiffen our defence and bring great leadership to the group.
Ones to look out for:
One of our players that continues to impress week after week is Hunter Booth. He is in a rich vein of form that we are happy to tap into. He is a current student at Bond University and works as hard on the field as he does in the books. Last week we had very few players reaching the level we know we can play at, but he was one who stood tall. This week, we will be looking for a total team performance.
The focus:
The focus this week will be on team defence and ensuring all players understand their role within the team. Last week we strayed too far from what makes our side effective and hard to go up against. We will be looking to reset and get back to what has made us a quality side.
The final word.
We were stung badly last week by an opposition who right now has the wood over us. We made a strong collective commitment to look at ways to improve. No secrets, we understand exactly what is required and this started last night on the track as the boys had one of the best sessions for the year.
Reserves:
Bull Sharks won 20.24 (144) to 1.1 (7).
Best: Kane Peeters, Harrison Black, Adam Forward, Hunter Booth, William Blyth, Gabe Stower
QAFLW
Bond v Southport at Southport.
Last time we met:
Round 2 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 6.8 (44) to 3.6 (24).
Best: Nyalli Milne, Courtney Sexton, Arianna Clarke, Paris Lightfoot, Sophie Balcombe, Mia Salisbury
The opposition:
Southport are in form and scoring heavily this season. They have an abundance of quality running midfielders and a potent forward line. The likes of Dakota Barron, one of the most exciting tall forwards in the competition this season, is a punishing addition for us in the forward pack.
Where it will be won:
The winner will be the team with the best execution of forward 50 entries and top-notch ascendancy around contests. Our ball movement has been great as of late and our sharing of the ball is a growing highlight.
One to watch:
Maisy Evans has had a breakout game as ruck and tall forward last week. She looked dangerous jumping up at the ball and as the lead up tall forward. We will be looking to her for great execution again this week.
The focus:
Our main goal will be top match Southport’s physicality. Winning or breaking even in contested ball will enable us to test the opposition with our outside runners.
Shuffling the magnets:
We are seeing a bit of a switch up this week. Returning we have Arianna Clark, an experienced forward who we lost for a week due to an ankle injury, as well as Nyalli Milne will be back on the field supporting the girls with her incredible outside run. She was out of action due to a nose injury.
We will be losing the start studded talent of Havana Harris, who has National Academy duties, and Tara Harrington is sitting out this week with an ankle injury.
The final word:
The winner of this game will go one game clear in the second spot on the ladder behind Aspley. It is a huge game for both teams as it offers a double chance come finals time.
Reserves
Bull Sharks won 5.11 (41) to 1.3 (9).
Best: Evie Emmett, Heidi Talbot, Tshinta Kendall, Tobi Chapman, Jasmine Single, Lexi Samuels
With Andy Lovell.