On paper, the Wollongong Saints look like firm favourites heading into Saturday's Women's Premier Division grand final at North Dalton Park. But these Bulldogs love to cause an upset.
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In a unique twist, both teams are reigning premiers. The Dogs won last year's AFL South Coast title, while the Saints left Sydney in style with a third premiership last September.
It has been a superb return to the South Coast for the Saints. They've swept everything before them in 2020, but one hurdle remains. In their way stands a Bulldogs side which surprised many beating Bomaderry in a semi-final.
However, Bulldogs coach Peter Anstice knows that Saturday's game is the ultimate test for his side.
"We understand we're pretty big underdogs. The Saints have been playing great footy all year and are the benchmark. But we're going to take that in our stride and go in there, give everything and have a real crack," he said.
"We need to slow down their midfield and Kate Stanton has been phenomenal for them up forward so we'll play team defence on her. But it's through their midfield and rucking combinations, they give great entries to their forwards. So we'll try slow them down there."
After winning last year's premiership, Anstice said the Bulldogs "didn't really have any expectations this year" due to the COVID-19 situation.
"We were just happy to be able to get a game in," he said.
"We went into the [semi-final versus Bomaderry] game with the same expectations we've had all year: go out there and be grateful to be on the field with your mates playing footy. And the girls just wanted it. They believed and had a crack.
"We've just been taking every week as it comes and we're stoked to get to the big dance."
While happy with his team's form this season, Saints coach Anthony O'Donoghue said "we're not taking anything for granted".
"We still expect a hard game. We met them once this year and it was a hard, physical game," he said.
"But we expect to play our game. We're going to concentrate on what we do well and see how it goes. The girls move the ball around the ground pretty well and look out for each other. Rather than being an individual game, it's about making sure they combine all game.
"We had training on Wednesday night and they trained very well. There's a bit of nerves. It's a grand final so they're a little on edge, which is good. You want to be a little nervous going into the game. We're looking forward to it."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
