GSFL 2025: Depleted Sharks enjoy a first-quarter feast but rampant Bulls wrest control in 46-point victory

Mt Barker played their best second half of the season according to coach Gary Pope, after his side overcame Albany Sharks by 46 points at Retravision Stadium and moved a game clear of their opponents in second spot. After a disconnected start in a scrappy first quarter, the Bulls wrested control and grew in confidence, shutting down the Sharks who scored four majors in the opening stanza and were forced to feed on scraps after that. Pope reckoned his side had grabbed the momentum from the second quarter onwards, running out winners 11.12 (78) to 4.8 (32). “It was slow at first, but it was pretty impressive after that,” he said. “Our tackling intensity and pressure were the stand-out for us but we also tidied up our skills. “I am pleased with the way we finished so strongly. “Our second halves have been better in the last month after being a bit lacklustre in the opening rounds so, yes, I think that was probably the best so far.” Despite missing nine regulars through injury and illness — and playing former WAFL five-point player Morgan Davies, which meant Harrison Hordacre and Taj Williams sitting out — the Sharks went ahead through Zac Pearson almost from the opening bounce. Ashley Ayles should have done better but nicked a behind while Morgan Davies, Isaac Baum and Clay Harrison added majors as Sharks had the early edge. However, that opening spell was as good as it got for the home side as the Bulls pulled them apart in the second quarter, booting five majors and five behinds – and could have had more. Camball McMahon, Dylan Gowdie, Jarrad Ballard, Dante Wiseman and Sam Lehmann grabbed the majors as the Bulls turned the tables and led by 12 points at half-time, Sharks managing only a solitary behind. Wiseman scored the only major of the third quarter, but the Bulls were stronger in the contest throughout and growing in confidence. The final session belonged to Sebastian Ballard who had springs in his boots as he grabbed two fine marks and converted goals from both. Daniel Patching added two more and Darcy Clarke one as the Bulls romped home. Baum, Bailey Taylor, Ayles and Brock Anning toiled hard for the Sharks while Patching, Clarke, Tristan Ballard and Darcy Wallinger were key for the Bulls. Sharks coach Roy Addis said he hoped the sick and injured had recovered by the time they play Railways on July 19, and he warned off anyone who might be approaching players on his list who missed out on Saturday. “There are other clubs who are sniffing around because of our rotations at the moment, and we are very aware of those conversations,” Addis said. “But I would say all the players we have at the club are very happy to be here.” Addis felt his players had not performed to their ability in their second loss of the year to the Bulls. “It was probably unacceptable to have played as we did in parts,” he said. “Our midfield was still strong, but it was difficult at either end. “However, we still had our targets, but we didn’t show the commitment required.”