Eugowra’s Geagles meet Cargo in the Woodbridge Cup league tag grand final on Sunday and coach Michael Dumesny says they’re ready.
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The defending premiers are going up against the competition’s “red hot favourites” but the coach, who guided Parkes Spacecats to a Group 11 premiership two years ago, isn’t fazed.
“We’re going in knowing that we are little bit of an underdog, but we know we are ready to go,” he said.
“It’s been a long season, I did start the girls fairly early in preparation, but I’m quite happy with everything.”
The Geagles have contested four of the last five grand finals in their competition, so plenty of their players know what to expect in terms of grand final day nerves.
It’s not quite the same side that triumphed in 2017, but players from Forbes and Parkes have stepped in to some of the gaps.
Dumesny feels the Geagles’ simple game plan, which has delivered them a number of wins in recent weeks, will work again on Sunday.
Defend well, and watch Cargo’s danger players Heidi Regan and Sami Laing - the 2017 and 2016 Woodbridge Cup league tag player of the year winners.
“I know there’ll be nerves, but deep down the girls know what they need to do,” Dumesny said.
He’s quite happy for Cargo to carry the pressure of being favorites, “we’re just sitting here in the Eugowra hills doing what we need to do,” he said.
The Geagles qualified for the grand final with a 28-12 win against Grenfell last Sunday at Grenfell.
Their grand final kicks off at Manildra on Sunday at 12-15pm.
Meet the players
1. Abbie Howell - Abs filled the shoes of Fullback this year, She took her new position in her stride and smashed it. She is always there to guide us and is a treasure with her commitment to training and in games.
2. Casey Jones - Case is big on team spirit and love for her football, she'll come out firing. Case will be a big threat on the field wherever she plays with her breakaway speed and great tagging, she will take a lot to stop.
3. Fiona Barber - 2018 is Fi's 3rd year as a Geagle and this will be her second grand final. She has stepped up to the call this year and is becoming a confident winger, marking her player and not letting anyone past.
4. Britney Dukes - Britto has been on fire this year with her runs and tagging, gaining confidence and backing herself she is a strong and reliable player in the centres.
5. Mikaylah Dukes - What an impact Mik has made within the Geagle family in her first year with us. A very valued and talented player who will go along way. She spends as much time on the ground as she does on her feet but she gets the tags and makes the metres.
6. Kimeaka Bermingham - Kimmi has a great football mind and talent to match, she is a leader on the field with her positive attitude. A little pocket rocket with a big boot. She has also fine tuned her dancing skills through the season.
7. Mikala Mongan - Miki has it all, Her dedication to the game and team is admirable. She always does her best in any circumstance and can been seen running all over the field to make the tag. She's like glue in our team. She leads the way with her calls and we follow without hesitation.
8. Brooke Cusack - This year has been Brooke's first year with the Geagles, she has become a very reliable player in attack and defence. Brookey has a lot of speed with run away tries.
9. Amelia Davis - Meals is a talented player in all areas. A quiet achiever on the field scoring tries effortlessly and converting goals. She is a player who can be put in any position and play it well.
10. Emma Jones - Em's one of the most reliable members of the Geagles. A consistent player who continues to build on her confidence each week. She gets the most ridiculously good tags out of no where and amazes everyone.
11. Ashlee Newell - Asho is a delight. You know each time she takes the field she will give 110% and leave nothing in the tank. Asho is also one of the great people in our club who is a helping hand where ever she's needed.
13. Kelli Jones - A long time team member of the Geagles who is considering retirement with a back to back premiership. Kel is a strong defender on her wing, not letting anyone past. Through injury she still shows her commitment.
14. Hannah Plunket - After convincing Han to have a run this year, we don't think she will ever look back. She has bought so much spunk to our team and has caught on well. She's a bright light, even through injury and will intimidate anyone with her 'Mad dogging' skills.
16. Jodi Williams - Jod is continually improving on the field, she has gained more confidence which shows at training and in the games, she may be our youngest team member but she's definitely a very valued capable player.
17. Bec Eppelstun - Becca is our Captain, with great leadership and a lot of natural talent, she is a very valued player. With the swing of her hips she's able to get past opponents, great runs and great tagging, she's all round threat.
18. Sara Voveris - Sar is our sweetheart, who even surprises herself weekly. This has been Saras first year of tag and she has given it a good crack. She always has a smile on her face, even when she's standing under a high ball trying to catch.
19. Alesha Horton - What a Year ! Lesh has really stepped up and found her feet this year, she makes amazing consistent tags and when she gets the ball, she runs! Leah is very versatile in positions and will give it all ago.
Coach - Mic Dumesny, His been put through his paces this year and has had 100% faith in his girls all season. Never in doubt of their capabilities or where they would end up. Full of passion, wisdom and experience, exactly what the Geagles needed this year.
Jeffrey Herbert - Jeff has been a huge asset to the team this season as Manager. Jeff is always there on Game day to help out where's needed, make sure we are all sorted and also runs the water.
Jake Eppelstun- Jake has been it all, Previous Coach, Manager, water boy and strapper. We are all glad he is involved and value his Input and knowledge.
Nick Tulloch - Nick gives great guidance as he runs our water and fixes our hurts, we are very lucky to have him as part of our team.