Shark nursery

by Andrew Bryan

The Bond University Bull Sharks have emerged as one of the best AFLW incubators in Australia, thanks to sponsors ISS and SLF Lawyers, developing a wealth of talent for top-tier clubs including the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions. These are some of the top talents so far.

Taylor Smith

Ms Taylor Smith is a former heptathlete and after two seasons learning her craft at Bond she was preselected by the Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural year and was then traded to the Brisbane Lions. She has found her home with the Lions, becoming a pivotal part of their 2021 AFLW Premiership. Lucinda Pullar

A former professional soccer player Ms Lucinda Pullar came to Bond to study medicine and began playing AFL for the Bull Sharks as a way to stay active. Quickly, she won the Club Champion award in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons before the Brisbane Lions claimed her with pick 58 in the 2021 AFLW National Draft. Maddison Levi

Ms Maddison Levi is a blisteringly fast forward/midfielder who was selected at pick 50 in the 2020 AFLW Draft and played eight games for the Gold Coast Suns in her debut season. She then went to the Tokyo Olympics to represent Australia in Rugby 7s and has taken the 2021 AFLW season off to pursue a fulltime Rugby 7s contract. Kalinda Howarth

After being delisted by the Brisbane Lions, Ms Kalinda Howarth joined the Bull Sharks to further develop her skillset and had a remarkable 2020, becoming the QAFLW’s leading goal scorer. The Gold Coast Suns signed her for their inaugural year and she was recognised with All Australian selection in 2020.

Mikayla Pauga

Ms Mikayla Pauga's debut season in the QAFLW and strong performances for the Brisbane Lions Academy saw her claim the Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholarship which is allowing her to study a Bachelor of Psychological Science. The Lions selected her with pick 46 in the 2021 AFLW Draft and she hopes to break into their strong squad. Lucy Single

Ms Lucy Single has elite running power which was recognised by the Gold Coast Suns when they selected her at pick 57 in the 2020 AFLW Draft. She continues to play for Bond outside of her AFLW commitments and hopes to be able to play alongside her younger sister Jasmine who is also coming through the development ranks. Casidhe Simmons

An elite heptathlete, Ms Casidhe Simmons was encouraged to try AFL by her athletics friend, Taylor Smith. Casidhe went from a new recruit to a regular senior player before life took her to Sydney for the 2021 season. There she caught the eye of the GWS Giants who selected her at pick 60 in the 2021 AFLW National Draft. Shannon Danckert

Bull Sharks captain Ms Shannon Danckert was invited to train with the Gold Coast Suns during the preseason and impressed with her toughness at the contest and natural leadership qualities. Shannon was elevated to the senior list and has played four games for the Suns during the 2022 season.

Molly Ritson

Ms Molly Ritson helped the Bull Sharks win the 2017 QAFLW Premiership and was selected by the Brisbane Lions at pick 14 in the 2017 AFLW Draft. She returned to Bond and impressed enough to be selected by the Gold Coast Suns for their inaugural 2020 season. She played nine games for the Suns and continues to be a goalscoring option for Bond. Krystal Scott

Selected at pick 18 for the Brisbane Lions in the 2017 AFLW Draft, Ms Krystal Scott was on the Lions' list for two seasons and has been retained as a trainon player. She continues to be a valuable member of the Bull Sharks leadership group while she looks to earn a spot back on an AFLW list. Lauren Bella

One of Queensland’s most promising young rucks, Ms Lauren Bella moved from Mackay to the Gold Coast to play at Bond before being selected by the Brisbane Lions at pick 45 in the 2018 AFLW Draft. After a year on the Lions' list she requested a trade to the Gold Coast Suns when they joined the competition and has played 16 AFLW matches. Charlotte Hammans

Ms Charlotte Hammans was one of the first three signings by the Gold Coast Suns Academy as they built their inaugural list. After one season the fast outside midfielder was traded to the Carlton Blues where she has started in three AFLW games and continues to play.

Wallis Randell

A Queensland representative basketballer as a junior, Ms Wallis Randell moved from Mackay to play for Bond University and develop her football career as a key defender. After two seasons with the Bull Sharks, the Gold Coast Suns selected her with pick 61 in the 2020 AFLW National Draft and she played a total of 6 AFLW matches. Imogen Barnett

Ms Imogen Barnett was one of the original Bull Sharks, playing and studying at Bond during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. After completing her studies she went to play VFLW with Collingwood. The key forward won the league leading goalkicker award which was enough for the Magpies to add her to their senior list with pick 33 at the 2021 AFLW Draft. Serene Watson

Selected by the Gold Coast Suns at pick 18 in the 2019 ALFW Draft, Ms Serene Watson has become a mainstay of the Suns defensive structure. Her clever reading of the game, classy ball use and developing leadership have provided a calming presence throughout her 16 AFLW matches. Annise Bradfield

Having come through the junior ranks with the Southport Sharks, Ms Annise Bradfield played two seasons in the Bond midfield before being selected at pick 7 in the 2020 AFLW National Draft by the Gold Coast Suns. Injury has limited her impact at AFLW level.