Previewing the two Grand Final teams
Sydney University Bombers: Premiers 2001, 2007. Grand Finalists: 2000
Coach: Krissie Steen and Assistant Coach Sarina Jackson.
The 2011 Bombers present a formidable challenge to the Premiership Title. Led by Captain Belinda Michalk, the Bombers have run second only to that Grand Final contender the Balmain Dockers during the home and away season in two tight matches. However the Bombers put it all together in the major semi-final to win their place in the Grand Final and enjoy the week off.
The core of the Bombers have played together for a while with veteran Gianna Abbonizio playing in her 11th season (and her 150th game in 2011) and others such as Belinda Michalk, Alex Roberts, Krysten Wynckley and Meredith Gray are long-time servants of the game. As well there are rookies such as Emily Do, Belinda Seers, Leah Chiswick, Megan Edwards and Jess Hogan. As well the team has the 2011 All-Australians Marie Keating and Libby Sadler and past All-Australian on multiple occassions Talei Owen.
Coach Steen when interviewed said "I've been priviledged to coach such an amazing group of players and I'm absolutely stoked with our development. They have worked really hard for two years for this title and we intend to come out fighting from the get go."
Balmain Dockers: Grand Finalists 2008, 2010
Coach: Tracey Kick
The 2011 Dockers were the complete team during the home and away season being the undefeated minor premiers. However a 14 point loss in the major sem-final to Sydney University concentrated the minds wonderfully of the Dockers who emerged to win the preliminary final by 44 points against the Western Wolves.
Like Sydney University, the bulk of the Dockers have been playing for a few years so experience is a bonus through long term players Peta Hemphill, Katharyna Kobzan, Sherelle Moore, Lynda Rowan and Janene Thorpe. Adding to the run of the Dockers is provided by Karla Spilarewicz, Alison Parkin and rookie Emma Davidson as well as some experienced players from other clubs such as Annie Phillips, Heidi Wiedner, Shelley Bates, Christine Macdonald and Laura Holdsworth. The leadership group is Christine McDonald, Janene Thorpe and Liz Brett.
Coach Kick when interviewed by the web editor offered this juicy titbit: "This Dockers team has it all, experience, pace, height and skill. It's a matter of putting it together on the day. Having defeated Sydney University twice this season, I believe in the team and they in each other. The grand final will be a treat for spectators and with 2 teams of this quality, I have no doubt the winner will be women's footy!"
So in essence: we have a mouth-watering clash to saviour on Saturday. 2011 could be the 3rd Premiership for the Bombers or the long-awaited Inaugural Premiership for Dockerland.
Where the game will be won and lost.
As always look to the midfield and wings for the keys to victory. Midfield ascendency is critical as both sides have very potent forward lines kicking bags of goals whilst the backlines have been solid all season roughly letting in less than 20 points a game. I personally believe the rovers, ruck-rovers and centers are critical there, so the midfield rotations by Coaches Steen and Kick could be critical whether it's the Bombers or Dockers who will be lifting the shield come 3pm.
On behalf of the SWAFL Committee, we wish all the officials a good game and both teams the best of luck in a clean, hard and fair contest. May the best team win!
Umpires are Jemma Still, Victoria Rawlings and Dan.
Last Modified on 31/08/2011 17:03