The Bond University Bull Sharks were rewarded for their stellar QAFLW 2019 QAFLW campaign at the AFLQ awards night
Bond University have been rewarded for their breakout QAFLW campaign at the AFL Queensland awards night on Sunday.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BOND University have been rewarded for their breakout QAFLW campaign at the AFL Queensland awards night on Sunday.
The Bull Sharks qualified for both the QAFLW and QAFLW development finals, winning the latter as they announced themselves as the Queensland’s newest football powerhouse.
REVEALED: ALL THE WINNERS FROM THE GROGAN MEDAL
THE REASON SOUTHPORT CAN GO BACK TO BACK
WHY SURFERS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME LION TAMERS
Two Bond University products, crafty forward Kalinda Howarth and ruck Lauren Bella were recognised for their stellar seasons in the blue and gold when they were announced in the QAFLW team of the year.
Howarth booted 31 goals in 2019, taking out the league’s leading goal kicker and was rewarded with a Suns AFLW contract late last month.
The 20-year-old also finished runner up in the QAFLW best and fairest voting to eventual winner, Lions AFLW star and Yeronga South Brisbane midfielder Emily Bates.
“She’s had an outstanding year,” said Bond coach Shane Atkins.
“You couldn’t fault her year.
“I thought she was a really big chance for the medal.
“Her goal kicking prowess is a stand out but she’s also fitted into the group really well in her first year at the club and is a really liked member of the group.”
Howarth will now join Bella at the Suns for the upcoming AFLW season, with the latter securing the much sought after ruck mantle in the team of the year.
AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T&Cs apply)
“I thought her second half of the year was outstanding,” Atkins said.
“She’s obviously dangerous in the ruck but also around the ground with her running and tackling.
“Her improvement from the first half of the year to the second was immense.”
Atkins received the nod for the QAFLW coach of the year after guiding his side to a grand final and an 11-4 win ledger.
“I was a bit surprised,” he said.
“Sometimes you don’t get awards when you deserve them but it was a really good night for the club.”
Coolangatta also had two representatives in the QAFLW team of the year, dynamic defensive duo Alexandra Hamlyn and Selina Priest getting the nod down back.
Bond development players Emily Stewart and Tara Smith also finished within the top six in the QAFLW development league best and fairest.
Live stream: Meet the Suns’ next gen AFL, AFLW stars
The sister of three AFLW players and a talented inside mid are among the Gold Coast draft prospects to watch when the Suns and Eastern Ranges face off LIVE in the Coates Talent League.
QFA Division 2 South 35 breakout stars of the new season
The QFA Division 2 South stars have emerged from each side and we have shone a light on the players who have made their mark throughout the opening month of the season.