Bond University making no secret of grand plans ahead of historic Coast League campaign in 2019

BOND University are making no secret of their desire to become a Football Gold Coast powerhouse as they put the building blocks in place for an historic Coast League One campaign.

BOND University are making no secret of their desire to become a Football Gold Coast powerhouse as they put the building blocks in place for an historic Coast League One campaign.

After eight years and back-to-back Midweek Metro titles, Bond will embark on a new era in 2019 when they make the move into FGC’s second-tier Coast League for the first time.

It is the initial step on a journey the Bullsharks hope will carry them into the Premier League in the years ahead.

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“I believe there’s more to this, I believe we’re only just scratching the surface but it’s going to come down to how well we do and how committed we are to next season,” coach Sean Johnson, an academic adviser at Bond, said.

“We needed to have some sort of success, some sort of traction, some sort of buzz before this (Coast League move) was ever going to happen. You’ve got make sure that you’re viable, that you’re successful and the more you win, the more buzz that gets created about you and the more opportunity it’s going to provide for the club.

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Bond University players Aidan Crayton and Joe Allocca with coach Sean Johnson (centre). Picture: Glenn Hampson

“My goal is to … get top four in the Coast League because if we’re in the top four it means we’re playing for a minor premiership (or a) premiership. We set (our goals) high but they’re all attainable.”

Boasting some of the best facilities in Coast football, Johnson believes Bond have a ready-made advantage in recruitment as they look to expand the playing group.

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“Right now we have a good core of 15 guys and now we’re looking possibly to move that to 40 guys next year with the reserve side and a first team. When they see what we’re doing here, to be a part of that I believe we’re going to get the guys we need and we’re going to get the right guys.

“I hope (the core will be Bond students) but in order for this thing to go we’re going to have to have externals - players form outside of Bond – because at the end of the day we need to make sure we’re fielding a side.

“It’s getting out the word about our team and that falls on my shoulders. It’s up to us to get the message out that we’re building a good club here.

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“You’re always going to have the most top quality pitches and the professionalism of Bond here. I want (the players) to have that idea in their head that every time they step on that field they’re putting on a jersey that means a bit more.”

For more information, visit sport.bond.edu.au.