Peel Thunderbirds youth girls coach Justin Hocking is bracing for the biggest challenge of his side’s undefeated season when they take on Swans in the grand final this Sunday.
The in-form Swans have won their last five matches and upset the Perth Angels in the preliminary final to claim a grand final berth.
But a tougher challenge awaits the Swans now, with the Thunderbirds on a two-year long winning streak and eyeing back-to-back-to-back premierships.
“Swans are a tough side and present what is arguably our biggest challenge this season,” Hocking said.
“We’ve only played them once and since then they have improved plenty, so we’ll need to bring our best and there’ll be no room for complacency.”
Hocking said the Thunderbirds would need every player on the field to play their role if they are to take the win.
“Swans are a strong side who will probably want to open us up from the get-go, so we’ll need every Peel player to control the game and play their brand of football, which we know they are really good at doing,” he said.
“It’s about bringing the right attitude and intensity. Going in with the right mindset is one of the most important things.”
The Thunderbirds have placed a huge focus on staying composed throughout training sessions this week.
Coach Hocking said it was imperative the side did not get ahead of itself.
“We’ve had a lot of debutants this year, so for a lot of girls it’s their first grand final which is very exciting,” he said.
“But it’s important we approach it as a normal game. Our leaders are doing a good job at keeping a level head.”
But despite the big game looming just around the corner, Hocking stressed that development of young women coming through football was more important than a grand final result.
“We started the year with the aim of developing female football and giving girls the same opportunities as boys, not winning a grand final,” Hocking said.
“Having said that, we’ll definitely be playing to win, but the development of the game makes the season a success.”
It’s fair to say the Thunderbirds have succeeded in developing young women in football, with the team just one win away from a third consecutive undefeated season.
The grand final will be played 10am, Sunday at Medibank Stadium.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
