Andy Lovell’s instructions for the Bull Sharks AFL awards night were simple – dress to impress.
With players swapping out the footy boots for heels and dress shoes and guernseys for formal wear, the coach’s instructions were followed to the letter.
All players gathered with supporters, volunteers and coaches on Saturday night to celebrate a fantastic 2024.
The Bull Sharks' 2024 season was spectacular, with all four sides charging into finals.
The women's program continued to cement its reputation as a powerhouse, with both the senior and reserve teams battling it out at People First Stadium in this year's all Shark QAFLW Grand Finals and our men’s sides marched into Preliminary Finals.
While team success was the cornerstone of the season, individual players shone brightly on the national stage too.
Imogen Evans clawed her way back into Collingwood’s AFLW lineup, thanks to all the hard work she put in with coaches Lovell and Matthew Kennedy outside of team trainings.
Nicholas Francis - Bond University student and this year's Riewoldt Scholar – laced up for six Gold Coast Suns VFL games.
The season was punctuated by plenty of personal milestones
Ryan Cook etched his name in Bull Sharks folklore by notching his 100th game early in the season, while a host of players proudly donned the guernsey for their 50th cap.
Shannon Nolan's comeback story was particularly inspiring, as she fought her way back into the senior lineup and emerged as one of the team’s key game-changers.
The Bull Sharks' dominance extended to the QAFLW, with several players earning top honours.
Ella Calleja, Nyali Milne, and Christy Landwher all secured top ten finishes in the QAFLW coaches MVP awards, with Courtney Sexton and Shannon Nolan hot on their heels.
Nolan and Havanna Harris further enhanced their reputation as elite performers, finishing top 7 for overall best and fairest points.
Bull Sharks and AFL Queensland Awards
Trademark Player:
Nick Bare (Men), Sophie Balcombe (Women)
Rising Star:
Seth Bequest (Men), Lexi Samuels (Women)
John Le Leivre Club Person of the Year:
Chris Fitchett
Leading Goalkicker:
Matt Smith (33 goals)
Best & Fairest Reserves:
Kurt Cole (Men), Jasmine Single (Women)
Club Champion Seniors:
Liam Viney (Men), Shannon Nolan (Women)
QAFLW Team of the Year:
Ella Calleja, Jasmyn Davidson, Courtney Sexton
Queensland Representative Team:
Arianna Clarke, Tahlia Meyer, Jasmyn Davidson, Imogen Evans, Ella Calleja
AFLQ Reserves Competition Best & Fairest:
Jasmine Single
AFLQ Reserves Competition Leading Goal Kicker:
Poppy Priestley