THE Grafton Redmen Women’s side would be buoyed by their round 3 and 7 victories over Coffs Snappers; however, Snappers are a much-improved side as evidenced by their 36-0 demolition of SCU Marlins in the minor semi-final on Sunday.
Add to that, the last time the two sides met the game went right down to the wire with Grafton prevailing with a length of the field try after the full-time siren sounded.
Grafton have experienced a stellar season and, on their day, have the firepower to rack up plenty of points.
With only 20-minutes each half, getting off to a good start is paramount, something the Redmen captain is well aware of.
“The first ten minutes can be the most detrimental period of the game, so we have to start with full force,” Tamar McHugh said during the week.
“We need to be disciplined and put pressure on them (Snappers) early. Coffs are a well-rounded side and there’s a reason why they have made finals and won grand finals in the past.
“I have full faith in our team, and I know if we work through the motions we practice at training each week and play our own game, we can come out on top.”
Featuring in a do-or-die final can be an overwhelming experience, but according to McHugh, her side have been focusing on all the right things during the week.
“It all comes down to preparation and massive chat between the players and coaches,” McHugh said.
“We need to make sure all the girls know their roles and that they can rise to any situation we find ourselves in, and more importantly, believe in themselves.
“I work closely with everyone on positive talk and setting goals for the team. Before every game we form a huddle and I tell them what is expected, and we always live by the saying…there’s no score that’s too big to come back from… and work hard.”
Grafton has transformed from a side wondering where their first win would come from, to one of the powerhouse sides in the women’s competition.
And there is no one prouder than the Redmen captain and playmaker.
“At the start of the season our end goal was to make the final and we have achieved that,” she said.
“Now we have hit finals footy our main goal is to make the grand final and win it.
“Looking back on the season, regardless of what happens, we have had a very successful year and in doing so created some history for the Grafton Women’s side.”
