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Two different tests, one Bull Sharks standard

Andy Lovell

There’s no easing into this round, with both Bull Sharks squads facing important mid-season litmus tests on home turf.

In the QAFLW we take on the undefeated Morningside outfit in what coach Andy Lovell has earmarked as one of the biggest challenges of the season. 

The Panthers, new to the competition, have proven themselves as a well-balanced side with a hard-nosed contested game and strong outside run. 

Fortunately, Bond regains two key Suns Academy players — Jasmine Davidson and Annabel Foat — to bolster the midfield, while in-form reserves forward Izzy Lowe (16 goals in three games) is pressing hard for selection.

Our QFA ladder leading men face Beenleigh — a side going through a transition and still licking its wounds from a 127-point Round 3 defeat. 

With injuries and other commitments forcing changes, the clash presents a golden opportunity for emerging talent from the reserves to step into senior footy. 

But coach Kain Ford has warned against complacency, urging his players to treat their opponents "like a wounded boxer" and back up last week’s emotional high with ruthless execution.

QFA 

Bull Sharks v Beenleigh at The Canal 

Last time we met, Round 3 2025 

Bull Sharks won 22.17 (149) - 3.4 (22) 

From the outset the players were switched on and scored repeatedly. The coaching staff and leadership group did a fantastic job ensuring there was no complacency. The standards remained high which was showcased early as we piled on eight unanswered goals.    

The opposition  

Beenleigh have been struggling somewhat this season in what many are suggesting is a transitional year for the club after losing many talented players from their roster. They compete very hard therefore we need to be on point again this weekend.  

The challenge  

Jack Avage
Jack Avage is in doubt.  

Coach Kain Ford sets a different theme each game as every opponent presents a different challenge. This week is no different. We play an opposition that has been struggling, so like a wounded boxer we need to be careful and play our way to kill off any spirit they may have.  

Shuffling the magnets 

We may lose a few this week to other commitments and injury. Jack Avage and Matty Leskiw are battling injury and we have a couple of others who are a little weather-beaten at the moment and could do with a spell. There may be four or five changes this week.  

Ones to watch  

The coaches will have the opportunity to have a look at some players who haven’t played a lot of senior footy for the club. There’s plenty of players knocking at the door in the reserves who will get an opportunity this week which is terrific.  

The focus  

The focus this week is to really concentrate on replicating what has worked thus far in the season and show zero complacency.  

The final word  

 Historically, teams after an emotional win like the club had on the weekend can have a flat spot. We need to ensure we are dialled in and maintain that hunger that has been in our DNA all season.  

With Max Kennedy 

QAFLW 

Bull Sharks v Morningside 

The opposition  

They’re a new club in the comp this year and they sit undefeated. They’re a well-balanced team, win a lot of contested footy but are a really good outside running team. They’re going to be a real challenge for us. We're looking forward to rebounding strongly after last week’s disappointing performance. 

 The challenge  

We have to pick ourselves up off the canvas. Last weekend’s loss was only our 2nd for the season, but it was a disappointing one. The challenge is to reset and refocus on what our strengths are and bring that to life against an undefeated team that's playing with real confidence.  

Shuffling the magnets  

Georgia Johnson
Georgia Johnson is racing the clock to be cleared fit to take on the Panthers. 

We regain Jasmine Davidson and Annabel Foat from the Suns academy. Our reserves  full forward Izzy Lowe has kicked 16 goals in the last three weeks and is pressing really hard for inclusion in the team. Georgia Johnson badly dislocated her finger in the first minute of last week’s game, so she could be out.  

Ones to watch 

I’m looking forward to seeing how Maisy Evans rebounds, after a quiet return last week from concussion. It will be good to get Jasmine Davidson’s leg speed and running power back into the team and Annabel Foat who brings hardness and good ball handling around contest. 

The focus 

Contest and pressure, that’s footy and we were off in that area last week. We really need to bring a big dose of that. It's important not to let them get their confidence up. Our defensive shape was off last week, so we’ve really got to get that back and make it hard for them to score. 

The final word  

It is a big challenge for us in the context of the season. The Canal has been a fortress for us this season and it has got to continue.

 With Andy Lovell

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