Bull Sharks inflict first defeat on Southport

The Bull Sharks have taken down the previously undefeated ladder-leaders Southport 7.9 (51) to 4.4 (28) in the biggest upset of the QAFLW season.

The team travelled to Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday eager to avenge their round 4 home-ground defeat.

Head coach Andy Lovell has emphasised the importance of putting together a complete four-quarter performance, something the Bull Sharks had struggled with recently.

The Bull Sharks were able to realise Lovell’s vision and delivered a spectacular performance. 

How it unfolded 

The match began with the Bull Sharks banking the first few points of the game but it was Southport who struck the first goal at the nine-minute mark. 

The Bull Sharks responded quickly with a goal of their own to bring the quarter time score to 11-6 in favour of Bond. 

Throughout the second quarter, the Bull Sharks’ defensive pressure stood out as they held Southport at bay, denying them any scoring opportunities. 

Bond proceeded to kick another goal and two more points, closing the first half with a scoreline of 19-6. 

Southport made an attempt at a comeback in the third quarter, managing two goals and one point, however the Bull Sharks answered back with two more goals of their own, bringing the three-quarter time score to 31-19.

In what had been a relatively low scoring game, the Bull Sharks entered the final quarter with a renewed tenacity to score, kicking a goal within 12 seconds of the opening whistle.

The Bull Sharks maintained their composure for the remainder of the game and sealed their victory with a final scoreline of 51-28. 

Standout performers 

Whilst there were no poor performers, numerous players stood out in the Bull Sharks’ remarkable triumph. 

After a week off due to a concussion, Ava Usher’s return to the Bull Sharks forward lines proved invaluable as she showcased her experience and tenacity around the ball. 

Tara Harrington also played an outstanding game in Bond’s forward lines. 

Midfielders Jasmyn Davidson, Charlotte Taylor, Courtney Sexton and Christy Landwehr, were all instrumental in the Bull Sharks’ victory, playing with intensity, working tirelessly to keep the footy in Bond’s half for the majority of the game. 

In the backlines, Bull Sharks skipper Paris Lightfoot delivered an excellent performance, playing a key role in keeping Southport’s scoring opportunities at bay. 

What they said 

Head coach Andy Lovell expressed pride in the team’s performance, commending them for their growth this season to have now taken down ‘the best team in the league’. 

“Every player executed their role and they were just outstanding,” Lovell said. 

“They set out with the goal to compete really strongly and tackle hard, and that’s exactly what they did.”

In other games

The Bull Sharks women’s reserves backed up the seniors’ outstanding performance by securing a resounding victory over Southport 10.10 (70) to 0.0 (0). 

The Bull Sharks men’s teams had byes.