Vawdon Grand Final Week – Set of Six Interviews 31.10.13
In the lead-up to this weeks Vawdon Cup Grand Final we will be interviewing a number of the Sea Eagles with six questions.
Set of Six with Elesha Dougal
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? It was amazing! I am very proud of every single player in the team including Sarah, Rach, and Nicky, who were all inspirational in the box. The most pleasing part about this game for me was that no matter what, we were always positive and stuck together as a team. It didn’t matter that we were down, it didn’t matter that we made mistakes – everyone was encouraging towards one another and we continued to push through as a unit! I did a lot of driving that night and on Saturday – Tempe to Wollongong, Wollongong to Nowra, Nowra to Caves Beach, and the whole time you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. And good thing that we did win otherwise my boyfriend Grayson would have been hating life on all these road trips!
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? This season it would have to be our game against Wests! Clearly getting a win against them is always satisfying for me, but to win so convincingly was awesome. Again, this can be attributed to the way we played to our strengths and as a team. You always know that you have got a team beat when they start bickering with each other on the field and in the box, and this is what started to happen with them. After that we just took it away.
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? In terms of the defence I attribute this to every girl bar me ha ha. I think I have probably been penalised the most out of everyone this year, plus have been subbed twice! That is a record for me. In all honesty I think that this has been a process over the past few years. Barry and Dudie have done an amazing job (and invested a lot of time) looking for ways for us to improve in different aspects of the game. In saying that, you need to have a group of players that are willing to take new things on board and believe in them, and this team has done this. I think the style of defence that we started last year has obviously been very effective, and it saves the middle a lot (which I LOVE)! Our outside players especially are quick so this style of defense really suits us. In terms of the number of touchdowns we have scored, this has to be attributed to the fact that we can play different styles. Every girl in our team has the ability to be dangerous in attack, we aren’t a one woman side, and to me this is what really separates us from the others. Barry and Dudie have also allowed and encouraged the younger girls to not be afraid to take opportunities. Finally – this can be attributed to RAY PEATTIE – because if we didn’t have him keeping an eye on all the stats then who would! He is a legend!
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? This has been a long time coming. I believe that there has been a more relaxed approach this year which makes a huge difference. We have girls that are balancing so much in their lives whether it be hundreds of rep touch commitments, work/study balance, or working night shifts etc. We are here because we enjoy playing the game. I know for me personally it has been quite intense at times and then I start to lose interest (just ask Juzzy, Lor or Sarah), but this year in particular being more relaxed has allowed me to actually focus more and really enjoy playing. In previous years we would have lost that drop off to the Dogs (sorry to say) but the belief and hard work is now starting to really sink in, and that is what’s different to previous years as well.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? Just the thought of winning gives me chills! If we win I will cry – no doubt about it. I have watched most of these girls playing since they were only kids through the likes of Roc Te Whanau / Te Whanau and each year that goes by I just see them improve so much. I actually feel like a proud big sister. A grand final win would be so special, particularly because I would be sharing it with two of my best friends in the whole world! It would be the best touch moment to date and it would feel like such a relief as well. This has been years in the making! I know that I wasn’t at the club for 3 years but I have come back to this club wanting to do everything I can to make up for it, and it made me want to be a better player than ever before. For the squad – I think that it would be very satisfying and it would provide motivation for our younger girls. The talent that is coming through is truly amazing and I believe that winning this will show them that although it can be very tough, to get the gold at the end makes it all worth it! Obviously it will also be great for the club because it has been years since a Women’s Open team has won a title (I am guessing) and I think it would create a very positive culture. I think the last title was won by the likes of Edith, Gloria, Roha, Sue, Pearl etc? Now that must have been 20 years ago right ladies? Ha ha. If we do win on Saturday I would also feel sad because I would have wanted Rach and Sarah to be playing beside me. They have been crucial in getting us here, and I really want to win it for them.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? There are so many positive things that I want to say, but let’s face it, I have already gone over my maximum word count! So I will keep it short and sweet! We gather at Nolans on Saturday as a team, we play as a team, and we finish as a team no matter what because a team shares disappointments as well as rewards. We have the ability to win and knock this team off their pedestal and there is no better opportunity to do that than RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT. I know that come Saturday when we take that field, I will stand beside each of my team mates proud and motivated to win, not just for myself but more importantly – for our team, and our army of supporters who have helped us get to this point!
Set of Six with Sarah Peattie
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? I am so incredibly proud of all of our girls, including our Division 1 girls, and all of our coaching staff. It is a massive reward for years of hard work and I think that it has been a long time coming. The biggest thing that stuck out for me was the fact that the Bulldogs play and win those games every season – it is their bread and butter. But we beat them. They have been the best team for over five years and I think the fact that we beat them at their own game shows how much of a force we are. I have spoken to many of our girls since last Friday’s game and all have said that when it got to the tough part of the game, in particular the drop off, they looked to their team mates and said to themselves “I am not going to let them score, I am not going to let my team mates down”. To be so supportive of each other and to show such self-belief is amazing to witness.
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? Similar to the other girls, my highlight would have to be the game against Wests. We came together as a team and played one of our best games of the season in front of our home crowd. Another would have to be Div 1’s gutsy win over the Northern Beaches Renegades in their Quarter Final!
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? Defence has always been a focus of ours and when we are disciplined it is the best part of our game. I think we have, as Baz has said this year, “bought into each other” and have faith and the support of the girls either side of us. I think that we have scored some of the best tries that the Vawdon Cup has seen this year. I have seen our self belief soar this year and I think that is why were aren’t holding back and are scoring so many tries.
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? I do believe that there has been a different attitude this year. We have all learnt a lot as we have become more successful and the way we have stuck together through it all has contributed immensely to our success this year. As I have already said, our self-belief has just grown incredibly this season and the confidence we are taking into games is amazing to see. We are finally recognising that we deserve to be in these big games and that we can win them too.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? For me, a win would be a great reward for many years of hard work. It would mean even more to know that I had done it with the incredible contribution of my family. To this squad it will be an incredible reward for a great year. In particular it will be an extremely well-deserved reward to Barry and Dudie whose efforts have warranted five years of titles. I would be most proud of what the title will mean to the club in the way that we will be an inspiration for all of the other teams. It would be a goal for everyone to work towards and it is an example for where commitment, hard work and friendship can get you.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? My only comments are that I wish more than anything that I was able to play alongside this group on Saturday. But I am also so proud to have people like Elesha and Tayla step into my roles. I am insanely excited to see us play on Saturday and I really believe that we have the team, the skills, the determination and the belief to win. I wish everyone the best of luck and I can’t wait to see you girls finish it off by beating the recently crowned “team of the year”. BRING IT ON and GO MANLY!!!!!
Set of Six with Brittney McLeod
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? It's up there with one of the best, most exciting games I've been a part of. Every single player had faith in themselves and everyone beside them. No matter what happened during the game, everyone had a positive attitude and belief that we could win!
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? Definitely our 10-3 win over Wests. The determination everyone showed on the field and in the sub box was awesome and to do it on our home ground in front of our supporters made it even sweeter.
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? Our defence has always been strong, but I think it's been even better this year because of how close we have become as a team and nobody wanting to let their mate beside them down. I put the number of tries we've scored this season down to the confidence Barry and Dudie have instilled in us all. Also, the focus on attack at training during the season and everyone sticking to the game plan and working together no matter who we play or what the score is.
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? I don't think there has been a huge difference in how things have been done. Each year we have focused on and mastered different aspects of our game and it has all come together this year. Being successful through Vawdon Cup and not just competing with but beating some of the top teams has made every game more enjoyable.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? After the high of winning the semi final, I can't even imagine the feeling of winning on Saturday. To win my first grand final with a club I've been a part of for over 10 years would be amazing! I'm already so proud of the team and where we've come and to win the grand final would be the best reward, not only for us but for the time and effort put in by the coaches and parents. Coming away with the win would be a huge thing for the club and inspiration to younger players.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? Cannot wait!
Set of Six with Hannah Dyball
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? In a way I’m glad we had to fight for it, it showed everyone how tough we are and I believe it brought us even tighter as a team.
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? The Wests game at the Manly double header was definitely a huge highlight of this season.
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? We play off each other’s strengths, work well together, and we are a closely bonded team all wanting to win the title.
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? This is only my second year of playing in the team so I can’t tell much difference, besides that this year’s season has had a much better vibe and we play off each other.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? It would be amazing, knowing that all of the hard work and the whole team’s dedication would have paid off.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? I couldn’t think of a better bunch of people and club to experience it with!
Set of Six with Justine Johnston
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? I could not be prouder of the girls performance! We weren’t favourites, we weren’t doing it for anyone but ourselves, our squad members and coaches and we all had belief that a win and grandfinal appearance could be achieved. That is the best feeling about the victory. It was inspiring to be a-part of. Cains words from the grandstand ….”I wish my east men’s team were here to see how motivated and passionate your team is.” I think we taught a few people a lesson on Friday night.
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? I think the whole season was a highlight. The grit we have shown this season is amazing. We have backed our ability and taken the emphasis of “team” and our game to a whole new level. I think our wingers have had an incredible season. They have practically been flawless! I think our Wests win was a highlight as it was our first real sign of what’s to come and the benchmark being set. I also believe the interchanging of players and the ability we have as a squad within the club is amazing and has lead to the women’s prem and div 1 having such a successful vawdon cup campaign. I also love seeing players give it their all and still play on even when they are hurting. I think we have seen this a few times in this year’s season and the determination that is shown is motivating to others!
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? We have worked hard on these two parts of our game for at-least 3 years. Thank god finally it is all coming together or Barry would have grey hair by now!! We have really utilised the advice given to us from other coaches, support staff and previous players. We have reached a period in our game where we have learnt from our previous mistakes, we have listened to the advice and we are now practicing what has been preached. Our team has matured as a group and I think that has definitely contributed to the successful season. And we have a very reliable stat’s man we have to keep in the job so we need to ensure he is keeping on his A game. Thanks Ray!!!
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? I think our approach has been structured, with purpose but also with an added edge of flexibility. We have grown from just a running game into a game that offers diversity and I would say class! We have really been able to exemplify the talents we have and we have worked hard to get to a level where every player is bringing an equal or added purpose to the game. I think we have become closer as a playing group and we are more relaxed in our approach to the season because we know we have done the work to get to where we need to be.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? A grandfinal… wow! It still hasn’t physically hit me that we are there!! I am in shock still. I am so excited, nervous and apprehensive already!!! I can’t wait to see and feel what the week has in stall. Please someone bring the tissue box for tears on Saturday!!! I am so proud to be playing alongside a great touch family!!!! I first came to manly because my best friends Elesha aka darkness and Nicky were playing there. I had a rough time getting back into the game after knee surgery and I said to myself, if I am going to commit to the sport, I need to commit to a team that gives the same amount of energy in return that I do. And I am so thankful that Manly was the club I joined. Not only do I get to play alongside my best friends…. I get to play within a touch family. The players, supporters/parents and coaches are so committed to this team and it is something that is so special and rare to find. I have always told other people I know who play touch all of the work we do including fundraising, training, uniforms etc and they think “Oh my gosh… what hard outs!” But look at where it has got us to now! This grandfinal makes me speechless! The win to me would reflect not just a personal or team win. It would reflect a win for everyone that has been involved with this club and its development for many years. I can only say, I have been fortunate enough to be a-part of a great group for 3 years. And I am very thankful for the hospitality, warm welcomes and support that has been received. It is a team effort in getting us there and if we could finish off the last little step to claim the title, It really is a moment I will be grateful for and proud to be a part of!
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? 3 final quotes!!!
1. “Never be afraid to capture it… Or someone else will”
We have the opportunity in front of us. We can see it, feel it, sense it and visualise what will be happening around us. All we have to do is step up on the day as a group and be ready to live it!
2. Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
3. “A successful team beats with one heart”…..
Bring your ticker on Saturday ladies as we have a game to win! =)
Set of Six with Bec Beath
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? I think the semi final win showed how much ticker and determination we have and that self-belief can go a long way in achieving the results we want. There wasn't a single moment during the game where we gave up or thought that we couldn't win it, even when we were down by 2 halfway through the second half.
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? Our round game against Wests was a highlight as we all came together as a team, the talk on the field and in the box was positive and we played some awesome touch footy, which was reflected in the massive 10-3 scoreline over a top 6 team!
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? I attribute this to the five goals we set at the start of the Vawdon cup season. Communication, positivity, set completion, minimising penalties and team culture have all improved immensely, and while at some points throughout the season we may have been lacking in some goals, it all came together at the business end of the season and we are now looking at our first Grand Final!
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? Having only been at the club for two years now I can only comment on the difference between this year and last year. I believe the main difference is in our confidence and belief in ourselves and each other as a team. Manly is a very tight knit club and it has definitely shown on and off the field this season.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? On a personal level, it would mean that the effort put in to the side in terms of travelling and training has paid off in the best way possible. Just being in the team and being able to learn so much about the game already makes the trip worth it, but a Grand Final title win would be the icing on the cake! To the squad, it would mean the hard work put in over the past few years has come to fruition. Having many close, yet unsuccessful, encounters in previous Vawdon and state cup finals has been devastating and a win on Saturday would be the best reward for our hard work. As a club, I believe a win on Saturday would be the ultimate encouragement for Sea Eagles of all ages, knowing that the pathways they take through the club are aimed towards selection in a champion team.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? All I have to say is that if we bring the self-belief and determination that we had on Friday night to the Grand Final on Saturday, this title is ours for the taking. There is no question that we have the skill set and running ability to beat any team in this competition and I'm so excited to see us give the Roosters a run for their money. We can do this girls, we all know we can, so let's go out there on Saturday afternoon and win this Grand Final!
Set of Six with Laura Peattie
Q1. What are your thoughts about the Sea Eagles Semi Final drop-off victory over the Bulldogs on Friday night? I think it was sooo exciting and so awesome! It was the first time i feel that we all believed we could really win. Every single person had each other’s backs and we were not going to let them win and that was pretty cool to see.
Q2. Not including the Semi Final win, are there any other season highlights that come to mind? Our very first game this season when we played Varsity. We won 16-0 but the best part about that game was that we never went away from what we were supposed to do and we played as a team the whole 40 minutes.
Q3. The team has scored over 100 touchdowns this season and has the best defensive record in the Women's Premier League division, what to you attribute this to? I think the reason we are scoring so many tries is because we are running really hard and going through with our moves and our game plan. In defence I think that everyone is so determined to not let anyone down that we just put that little bit of extra effort into it and its clearly been paying off
Q4. The team has reached its first Grand Final, has anything been done differently this year from previous years? I don’t think we have done anything differently, now that we have had a pretty solid team together for a couple of years now and with Baz and Dudes coaching style i think we finally understand what we need to do and we are all on the same page and know how each other play. Also being very successful and winning most of our games has made us all become closer and more excited about playing each week which helps a lot.
Q5. What would a Grand Final title win mean to you, the squad and the club? It would mean so much just showing that hard work pays off and you may not see results immediately but eventually it will come. I think our team deserves it and it would be exciting for us all as a club as well.
Q6. Any final comments before the big game on Saturday? Bring it on!