She's played a key role in Albion Park's domination of South Coast women's football. And on Sunday, Brittany Ring will compete in her seventh straight grand final.
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After winning the past six titles, Park will hope to make it a perfect seven when they take on University in the Women's Division One decider at Ian McLennan Park.
And while they have been the league's benchmark in recent years, 2020 has been challenging for Park.
Several players - including captain Tenaya Davis - hung up their boots after the team claimed the NSW Champion of Champions title last October. Following those departures, Ring wasn't sure what to expect this season.
But, after being named minor premiers, Park advanced to this year's grand final with a 2-0 win over Thirroul in Sunday's semi-final.
"We didn't really have any high expectations for this year, it was a rebuilding year for us. Semi-final football was the goal for us. But we've wrapped up the league championship and we've made the grand final, our seventh in a row. So we're really excited," Ring said.
"We're a family club, so when you join, you join a big family. We're really close, on and off the field, and I think that bond really helps. And we just play with passion. 'Macca' [coach Richard Davis] drives that from the top, we're all very passionate out there. And I think that helps us be successful."
Standing in their way is University, who they've met in the past two grand finals. Uni won their way into the decider with a 2-1 win over Woonona last Sunday.
"They've been together for a couple of years and have been building a nice squad," Ring said.
"We know they're going to turn up and be tough. We've had a draw and beaten them this year. But if we don't turn up on the day, they'll punish us."
Sunday is set to be a big day for University, who will be represented in the Women's Division One, Two and Three grand finals.
Division one coach Brod Crighton said it was a great achievement for the club.
"It's been a good year for us. Our Youth League got beat 4-2 by Wollongong United and missed out, but they played very well too," Crighton said.
"The club has weathered the COVID storm pretty well."
However, Crighton knows that his side will hold the underdog tag against Park.
"We beat them once last year. and that's the only time we've beaten them in four years," he said. "They are the yardstick of this league. They're state champions the last couple of years, champion of champions. You don't get that good from being a bunch of mugs.
"Our girls need to stay focused on their game, play our football and try not to let the other team dominate. If we lose the ball, we need to get it back quickly. Football's like gold. If you've got it, they can't get 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.
