But perhaps stress isn’t the proper phrasing.
Todd has instead encouraged her side to drop the nerves, soak up the occasion and play with freedom in Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League final against Mooroopna.
“We have to congratulate ourselves and embrace the opportunity that they have,” Todd said.
“All those girls that participated in that 17-and-under competition were all aiming to be in the position that we’re going to be in this weekend.
“Ultimately our team is all about making sure they enjoy it and have fun ... when girls enjoy and have fun, they’re more likely to play well.”
Shepparton has a slight misfire in the back of the mind to atone for.
After taking out the minor premiership last season, the Bears exited in the preliminary final to eventual winner Echuca.
And with several bottom-agers from the 2022 campaign still in the side Todd said reaching the grand final was a reward in itself.
“A lot of those girls that are playing in the team this year, but they were also in the team last year, I guess they’re excited and really stoked that they’ve made it to the grand final,” Todd said.
“Because last year we obviously fell short in being knocked out in the prelim, they’re really excited and they’re really looking forward to playing.”
One of those to return to the side is Mackenzie O’Dwyer.
The malleable midcourter had a standout season for club and state, reaching the 17-and-under Australian Pathway Squad, representing Victoria at Nationals and recently winning the GVL Carol Ryan Rising Star Award for 2023.
“I think this has probably topped off the year that she’s had,” Todd said.
“It’s a bit of recognition of what she’s achieved this year. She’s been very solid for us across the year; she didn’t play all rounds.
“She had a few games off because of state preparations and then she was away for an Aussie camp and we also had a forfeit.
“To see her actually run away with that medal when she didn’t play all games, that’s just showing the type of player she is within that competition.”
O’Dwyer is just an example of what the Bears’ youth stocks offer.
After going deep into finals two years running, Todd said many of Shepparton’s 17-and-under side had the potential to don an A-grade dress in the not-too-distant future.
“There are some great juniors, I can see a number of these girls that I’ve been coaching now and in the past are going to be future players in the senior sense which is really awesome for the club,” she said.
“It means that they’re hopefully going to be quite dominant down the track.”
28°C