Fergus Gillan has always been good at winning lineouts with his explosive jumping ability.
Perhaps then it should come as no surprise that the young Bond rugby prodigy has made the leap from Colts 1 to the top grade with ease.
Despite being one of the youngest on the field, the Bachelor of Arts student earned Queensland Premier Rugby VPA Australia Player of the Week status for his performance in the Bull Sharks’ tight, physical win over Easts.
It is just reward for the 20-year-old lock who is relishing the challenge of regular appearances in first grade.
“The biggest difference is the physicality – in taking a carry, tackling, everything,” Gillan said.
“The training has been more physical in the last couple of weeks, and I’m really working on being brutal in my first up contact, as well as clean breakdown support work.”
“I’m working a lot harder but I’m really enjoying the challenge and am improving in those areas.”
Gillan’s rugby journey started modestly.
He initially plied his trade at the Lennox Heads Trojans before a move to TSS as a high school senior was a significant turning point.
While the Junior Wallabies representative split his time between Colts 1 and Premier men in 2025, he has now cemented himself a place in the top grade, playing every game with Mick Heenan’s side so far.
Gillan aspires to one day wearing the green and gold, but for now his ambitions remain closer to home.
“My main goal is to play good footy and hopefully to help Bond win another premiership,” he said.
“After that, it would be about earning a Super Rugby cap and breaking into full-time professional rugby.”
“I definitely do have the goal of playing for the Wallabies one day, but that’s a bit far away at the moment.”
Due to graduate at the end of the year, the opportunity to balance study with sport has instilled within Gillan a deep sense of gratitude.
“My experience at Bond has taught me to appreciate everything; my sport, the people around me, and the opportunity to study.”
“I’ve made some lifelong mates and have learnt to just soak up every experience that comes my way.”
The Bull Sharks will look to build momentum after last week’s win when they take on Norths away on Saturday.