Bond University assemble team who will defend the division 2 premiership

The Bond University QFA Division 2 South side has replaced a host of outgoing experienced premiership players with emerging youth for 2020.

THE Bond University QFA Division 2 South side has replaced a host of outgoing experienced premiership players with emerging youth for 2020.

The reigning champions have confirmed some major changes to its list and football department for the coming season.

Experienced players Tyson Brazel (Southport) Ben Merrett (Surfers Paradise), Blair Mortimer (Burleigh) and Connor Pyke (Broadbeach), Adam Hall have all moved on after helping guide Bond University to the 2019 flag.

“With the loss of some great players it’s a great opportunity and challenge for others to step up,” Bond coach Sam Whish-Wilson said.

“If you come to watch the Bullsharks in 2020 you will see an exciting, united and ultra-competitive football team.”

Five of the team’s notable recruits are aged 18-and-under but Whish-Wilson says they at stacked with talent.

Bond University won the QFA Division 2 competition in 2019. Picture: Supplied by AFLQ.

Among them are Tasmanian trio Mackenzie Evans, 18, Mitch Dell, 18, and Nathan Rataj, 23, South Australian Harvey Bernardi, 18, and Somerset College 17-year-old Sean Duff.

“Mackenzie has made an impact in 12 games of State League Football in Tasmania,” Whish-Wilson said.

“He is a beautiful left-footed wingman with a state cross-country level running ability, he will be one to watch at the Canal.

“Mitch is a smart and highly skilled performer who has played senior footy on North-West coast of Tasmania and Nathan has played a number senior football in tough competitions in Tasmania.

“He is a crafty midfield-forward who understands the game really well and knows where the big sticks are.

“Harvey is an inside bull who is as competitive as they get and Sean has yet to play any senior football.

“With his competitiveness at training and understanding of the game, the undersized forward-ruckman will be a player to watch in 2020 and years to come.”

Whish-Wilson said the side had been focused on developing its tackling pressure, something that paved the way for their success in 2019.

“The emphasise in the pre-season has been competitiveness and care for each other and our club,” Whish-Wilson said.

“On the field, tackling and pressure is a strength of ours and we focus on it in every session. “Nearly every drill we do has a winner and a learner. The will to win is something we want to instil in all our players.”

Whish-Wilson confirmed the club had brought in mentors from Leading Teams again to work with the group in 2020.

“We have been fortunate again to acquire the services of Aaron Rogers from Leading Teams,” Whish-Wilson said.

“In 2019 we articulated a trademark that included attitudes and values and behaviours associated with these.

“This had a positive impact on all players and people at the club and we look forward to strengthening in this area again in 2020.

“We are grateful of our AFL standard facilities but it’s equally important to have great programs and people involved.”

Dean Olarenshaw has joined the coaching staff and Michael Swan replaces Sam Schiphorst as Football Operations Manager after spending time at the Brisbane Lions.

Bond University will play three pre-season games at home against Burleigh on February 29, University of Queensland on March 7 and Palm Beach Currumbin on March 20.