By Ant Wingard @AntWingard
Bond University has looked abroad to bolster their maiden finals chances this season, going as far as the United States for talent this QWAFL season.
The Bullsharks have recruited the services of Ohio native, Katrina Scherer, for their 2018 campaign with the American already playing in the side’s two most recent games.
Scherer has been playing for her local Colombus Cats in the United States Football League as she has done since 2016 whilst studying at the Ohio State University.
As the opportunity for Scherer to travel across the Atlantic to play in the QWAFL this season seemed likely, Bond University were approached by AFL Queensland Female High Performance Manager, Craig Starcevich, as a likely candidate for her to stay.
Of course, the Bond University leapt at the opportunity as the talent sponsor for female football in Queensland.
“We thought it would be a great experience for us,” Bond University Head Coach, David Ashkar told aflq.com.au.
“We’re a university and we’re all about the learnings of the game so an American girl coming over to play in the top level in Queensland is just a great opportunity for her.”
Scherer is living with Bullsharks teammates and Brisbane Lions AFL Women’s defender Arianna Clarke for the duration of her eight-week visa.
Across her two seasons at USAFL level, Scherer had established herself as one of the most damaging and versatile players in the competition, capable of playing in the ruck, forward or down back.
In 2017, she represented the United States in the Women’s International Cup across five games where she was named among her country’s best players.
Now, she has the opportunity to play against some of the best female footballers in Queensland and a potential AFL Women’s career down the line.
Following her two games for the Bullsharks – losses against finals bound Coolangatta Tweed and Coorparoo, Ashkar was impressed by his newest addition.
“She’s been a great addition to our team. She has some pace and some skill. She has some size,” he said.
“Against Coorparoo, she played across half-forward in the first half and then we put her across half back.”
“Hopefully she can get drafted. That’s the goal.”
Bond University find themselves well in the conversation for a finals place in their first year at QWAFL level. But Askar remained adamant the Bullsharks are just taking things one game at a time.
“We’re not thinking about finals. If things go our way, we’ll play finals but we’re just trying to learn every week.”
See Katrina Scherer and the Bullsharks’ in action against Coolangatta Tweed this weekend, July 14 at 9:45am.
Photo: Shovleton Snaps
