The Bull Sharks will hit the road in round 5 and awaiting them are two archrivals hell bent on revenge.
The men knocked Carrara out of last year’s QFA final series while in the QAFLW, we snuck past Aspley and into the grand final.
QFA
Bull Sharks v Carrara at Carrara
Last time we met
2024 Finals Rd 2 at The Canal
Bull Sharks won 10.6 (66) - 7.8 (50)
The Bull Sharks were too good on their home deck where the wide-open spaces allowed them to play to their strengths. But Saints got the points, by a point, at home earlier in the season where the tight confines of Alan Nielsen Oval suits their contested game style.
The opposition
The challenges keep coming. This time in the form of Carrara who are one of the more physical sides in the competition. Carrara at home is a formidable proposition. They are a talented and tough side who always play well on their home deck, we need to be dialled in this week to match them.
The challenge
We need to continue to back our style. The one area we need to be on top of is our contested work. They love a contested game style, and we must match that all day and then make the most of every scoring opportunity that presents itself.
Shuffling the magnets
Watch this space. We may have up to three changes this week with key personnel back into the side. We have managed to stay relatively unchanged most of the season which has been a real bonus for us, although we hope to welcome back some quality inclusions this week.
Ones to watch F
We have been very pleased with the way the forward line, led by Felix Packer, has functioned this year. This will be a key this weekend. Given the size of the ground, making the most of scoring opportunities will be telling, if we get a chance to score, we must convert and build scoreboard pressure.
The focus
Match them early in all facets and score when the opportunity arises. They usually get a very large and loud crowd to their games we need to keep them quiet, go about our business and continue to do what has been working for us.
The final word
We’re very excited to play a quality opposition on their home ground to get a real sense of where we sit, bring it on.
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Aspley at Aspley
Last time we met
2024 Preliminary Final at Aspley Oval
Bull Sharks won 4.7 (31) - 4.3 (27)
The opposition
Aspley are coming off a confidence boosting win against Maroochydore last week. They are a really proud, strong club so we expect a tough contest.
The challenge
It is always a challenge to go to Aspley and beat them on their home ground. They’re a tough contested team so we’ll have to be really our game in the contest, but we feel like we’ve got the game to be able to challenge them.
In tandem
Kendra Blattman has been very important for us, both as our key forward and also backing up Maisy Evans in the ruck. Maisy is benefitting from this also and is playing some very good football.
Shuffling the magnets
It’s still an unknown as to which Gold Coast Suns Academy players will be available to come back to us this week. We have Leah Kaslar ready to play and she brings a wealth of experience, game knowledge and toughness. Our reserves team had a wonderful win last week with Ella Furlong, Halle Geyer, Georgia Hamilton and Tara Radford all shining.
Ones to watch
Trinity Ella as a small forward is tough and competitive and has been able to kick multiple goals this season. Also keep an eye on Jasmine Davidson in the midfield. She is usually a defender but played the second half last week inside mid and was terrific. Georgia Johnson is another inside mid who had her best game for the season.
The focus
We have to reset mentally. An encouraging performance against the competition leaders will mean nothing if we don't back up and perform strongly and win against Aspley.
The final word
I think we take load of confidence out of our second half against Southport, but we will need to apply it for four quarters this week.
With Andy Lovell