AFTER an undefeated season, the Warrack Eagles hope to celebrate their success with a premiership on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But first they will face a tough opponent in the Horsham Saints, who snuck into the grand final with a four-goal preliminary final win against Horsham.
The Saints were only three goals short of claiming an upset win against the Eagles in round 12.
Eagles coach Rikki Nitschke said her side was primed for the final game of the season.
“We’re confident but not over-confident,” she said.
“Anyone can be beaten, but the girls have earned the right to be confident going in.
“We’ve played the Saints a few times and haven’t been defeated yet, but they’re definitely the team to give us a run if they’re firing.”
The Saints finished second on the ladder – only dropping three games in the home and away season – and co-coach Penelope Manserra believes the team is up for the challenge.
“We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain,” she said.
“Warrack has been the benchmark all season – it’s got a highly skilled team and it has girls playing in the A Grade, which speaks of their talent.
“We’re looking forward to a very competitive game – it’s our job to do our very best to try to beat them.”
“We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
- Saints coach Penelope Manserra
The Eagles will look to mid-court player Leiah McKenzie and shooter Summer Schultz, this year’s 17 and under best and fairest winner and runner-up respectively, to lead the way.
But Nitschke said the Eagles’ squad of 11 had a depth of talent.
“They all work really well together and we’ve been able to rotate positions and everyone is able to fill their spot when it’s their turn,” she said.
“Our whole team has played seniors at some stage this year, which has been really good for their development.”
Manserra said the Saints would also need everyone to perform to get over the Eagles.
“We’ve got a team of 10 girls with strong skill sets, which gives us a lot of depth and versatility,” she said.
“Our girls have played in various positions which strengthens the team and adds to our depth.
“All of our girls will need to be 100 per cent on their game and playing well as a team.”
Manserra said 15-year-old defender Faith McKenzie’s match-up on Schultz would be one to watch, while centre Ellie Breuer and shooter Brittany Nitschke – who finished equal sixth in the association’s best and fairest count – would also be key to the team’s success.
