Bond University's three AFL premierships in 2023 meant little at the UniSport Nationals where an unfamiliar nine-a-side format interrupted the club's winning ways.
A mixed team of men and women finished third among three universities competing at the Nationals, although to be fair, players have been winding down after a momentous season.
The Bond team included Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence scholarship holders Jemma Blair and Morgan Ferres. For Blair, this marked her first UniSport Nationals appearance.
“The whole AFL 9’s experience has been a fun challenge, especially playing in a mixed gender team,” said the Bachelor of Health Science student.
“It took a bit of adapting, but it’s been a really good experience pushing myself against some of the guys.”
Second-year Bachelor of Commerce student Morgan Ferres said the social aspect of the Nationals was a nice change from the pressure of competing in the QFA.
“I’ve never played mixed footy before and I’ve never played AFL 9s, so for me it’s been really great chance to get out there, be a bit vulnerable and try something new,” he said.
“The social aspect has been special as we’ve been able to meet so many different people and make friends from all over Australia.”
The UniSport Nationals involves more than 6000 competitors competing in 31 sports.
Blair and Ferres both relocated to Bond from interstate and said sport had been pivotal to their overall experience.
“Having sport during my time at Bond has been such a highlight for me so far,” Blair said.
“It’s been great to have that healthy breakaway from study and it’s also given me a massive group of friends outside of uni life.”
Ferres said: “Joining a sports club is the best thing that you can do when moving interstate.
“As soon as you enter that team you’ve got a whole new group of people who pretty much become your new family.”