Our senior and reserves reigning QAFLW premiers will meet Aspley in a preliminary final at Aspley.
n the QFA, the seniors take on Coolangatta in a semi-final while the minor premier reserves get the bye.
QAFLW
Preliminary Final
Bond v Aspley at Aspley
Last time they met:
Round 12 at the South Pine Sporting Complex.
Bull Sharks won, 5.9 (39) to 4.7 (31).
Best: Christy Landwehr, Shannon Nolan, Ella Calleja, Jemma Blair, Courtney Sexton, Sophie Balcombe.
On reflection:
It was a gusty win, at three quarter time we led by 4 points and were able to keep them scoreless in that last quarter to record a brave win. The game highlighted our strong defensive mechanisms.
The opposition:
They are a skilful and quick, hard running team. They welcome back their key forward Jess Stallard, who makes them a much more threatening proposition given her goal kicking prowess.
Shuffling the magnets:
There will be one change potentially two for this do or die finals round.
Annabel Foat will be away this weekend, but we have a few potential replacements that we will jostle for selection at training on Thursday night. We have to decide whether we go for a small or tall defender as a part of our defensive back six.
Ones to watch:
Nyali Milne, on the wing has been in great form. She has a great run and overhead mark that make her dangerous in attack and really reliable in defence. Paris Lightfoot has returned to career best form across half back after overcoming tendonitis in both knees.
The focus:
The game will be won or lost in and around stoppages, so we need to ensure our structure and balance of inside and outside is strong.
The final word:
It’s a do or die game- the rewards are enormous with a grand final spot. If we lose the season is over. We have done the work, and we know what is required to get the job done. We have enormous respect for the opposition, but we know that if we bring our strong defensive intent and have freedom on offence, we give ourselves the best chance for success.
QFA
Semi Final
Bond v Coolangatta at Coolangatta
Rd 13, 2024 at The Canal.
Bull Sharks won 15.7 (97) to 10.7 (67).
Best: Will King, Nick Bare, Felix Packer, Flynn Ayton, Ted McKimm, Blake Spencer
On reflection:
Our defensive pressure and tackling pressure were off the charts which forced turnovers off hand and foot. We were able to score off the back of those. It was a complete four quarter performance that day.
The opposition:
Coolangatta is a really well-balanced team. They run hard and fast and are a skilful group who often play well at their home ground.
Shuffling the magnets:
There were handful of senior players missing from last week’s win who are likely to return. Oliver Burrows-Cheng, Nick Scott, Felix Packer and potentially Nathan Rataj are expected to be available. Ruckman Ted McQuinn will miss this game with a broken leg sustained against Coomera last week. Jack O’Shea will be available for use again alongside our Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship holder Nick Francis who is coming back from the Suns’ VFL side.
Ones to watch:
Grant Trew has had one game back after a fractured eye socket. He brings experience and defensive capabilities and a real steadying influence in our back six.
Dylan Lancaster kicked three goals last week as a hybrid forward and gives us a really focal point in attack. Jack O’Shea and Nick Francis will also be dangerous this weekend for us.
The focus:
Switching the ball, making the ground fat and getting outside Coolangatta and forcing them to run and defend. Getting off to a good start at Coolangatta’s home ground will be an advantage.
The final word:
It’s a crucial game because the winner gets to play Burleigh in a second semi-final- we have good recent history following our win against them in round 13. We are more than capable of matching them and we give ourselves every chance.
With Andy Lovell