On Sunday the Purples powered past Benalla 9.4 (58) to 2.2 (14) in the first Northern Country Women’s League preliminary final, meaning only Echuca stands in the way of premiership success for the side.
And what a triumph it would be.
Nathalia assumes the underdog role heading into Sunday’s contest and knows a mountain must be moved should its cup overflow with glory.
Nonetheless, the Purples run into the fixture with a comprehensive beating of the Saints beneath their belts, with coach Simon Quarrell touching on the performance which punched the ticket to the big dance.
“Before the game it was about getting our minds back on it after a lull, and not to think too far ahead,” Quarrell said.
“We started off slow, which after five weeks off was expected, but as the game went on we improved and blew off those cobwebs.”
Though Nathalia’s goals came in dribs and drabs early, its defence was impeccable as Benalla was held scoreless at the first break, trailing by 15 points.
The Saints’ backline of Shalijah Sciberras, Abbie Buhagiar and Nicole Donald were always going to have their work cut out containing Abby Favaro, who slotted 31 goals during the regular season, and the gap was increased further by half-time although Benalla managed to jag a major.
Nathalia continued to push on in the third, and by then, the game was theirs.
A second goal in the last for Benalla brought minor respite, however, the Purples split the sticks three more times to solidify their status as grand final contenders.
Favaro was immense up front with three majors, while Quarrell highlighted the defensive surety provided by Alex Mulcahy.
He also cited Eliza Grubbs’ prowess on the wing as a contributing factor to the win.
But now a real test lies in store — and Nathalia will require blinding performances from its entire playing contingent to get across the line at Tatura Park this Sunday.
The Murray Bombers finished the home and away season without loss, coming closest to defeat in round eight when edging Nathalia by a painstaking three-point margin.
Aware of the task ahead, Quarell is issuing the following notice to his group; relish the occasion, respect the opposition and run with any opportunity given.
“The girls are really up and about and are looking forward to the granny,” he said.
“It’s only really our third year of women’s footy and they were really pleased at getting the reward for their effort.
“In preparation for the final, we are getting excited for the final, but also keeping a level head.”
The Purples will be bolstered with the knowledge it boasts the top two performers of the regular season, with Abby Favaro and Tegan Sutton named joint best-and-fairest winners at the league awards night on Sunday.
Quarrell wished to congratulate the pair on the accolade.
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