The Bull Sharks are undefeated in both the QAFLW and QFA but both sides face their toughest test of the season so far this weekend.
It is a grand final rematch in the QAFLW, and premiers Southport are again the competition benchmark, having added more quality to their lost over the odd season.
When it comes to recruitment, few sides in Queensland can match the Robina Roos who have added star power in the form of former AFL stars Jonathon Patton, Jarrod Harbrow and Alwyn Davey to their ranks.
QFA:
Bull Sharks v Robina at The Canal
Last time we met
2024 Round 11 at Scottsdale Reserve
Bull Sharks won 19.9 (123) - 12.11 (83)
It was a tough affair. It is a small ground at Robina, and they play it well. You have to get in and win the battles and we did that well.
The opposition
Robina will be a challenge for us this weekend. They have improved significantly and have recruited three very high-level ex AFL players in Jonathon Patton, Jarrod Harbrow and Alwyn Davey. They remain a physical team who like the contested game. We have the players to match them and hurt them offensively the other way.
It will also be a big day for the club with the women and rugby teams also playing at The Canal. I’m sure the boys will embrace the challenge and fully understand what’s required to win this game.
The challenge
Matching their physicality early in the game and making the most of our opportunities in front of goal.
Shuffling the magnets
We have lost two players due to injury although have 3-4 players returning who will fill that void. Thus far this season we have been relatively unchanged.
Ones to watch
Looking forward to seeing Will King who will be matched up against a quality key forward and ex AFL number one draft pick in Patton. And our key midfielders who will need to be at their physical best this weekend against a quality opposition.
The focus
It is another solid challenge, and the focus is on understanding what has worked in the first part of the season for us and not wavering. We need to make the most of our early opportunities and not let Robina get their tails up.
Final word
Get to work early and look to kill them off.
QAFLW
Bull Sharks v Southport at The Canal
Last time we met
2024 Grand Final at People First Stadium
Bull sharks lost 8.6 (54) - 3.1 (19)
We were completely outclassed by a high-quality opponent that day.
The opposition
Southport are again the form team of the competition and have had three massive wins so far. They’ve recruited strongly and have a highly talented and experienced list. Stopping their run and carry game will be our challenge/focus.
The challenge
The challenge is to minimise the impact of their stars, Steph O’Brien, Maddy Baldwin, Kierra Zerafa and Maddy Wat. We need to deal with their physicality. We are really excited to test ourselves against high quality opposition as it will give us a good indication of where we're at in the early parts of the season and the areas we need to keep working to improve on.
Shuffling the magnets
Stability has been our real strength. There aren’t too many changes out of the team from last week, Jaz Davidson will need to fit back into the team after missing the last game.
Ones to watch
Jemma Blair across half back, Georgia Johnson as a running midfielder and Trintiy Ella who is a really dynamic small forward. She brings speed and tackle pressure, and she can find a goal.
The focus
We really want to be competitive and make sure that we stick to our style of play. We need to take the game to the opposition rather than be reactive.
Final word
The rest of the competition are chasing Southport as the competition leader; we are excited about taking our turn at them.
With Andy Lovell