Katrina Fanning Shield: Grand Final Preview
The undefeated Yass Magpies will take on the 'new kids on the block,' the Woden Valley Rams, in this Sunday's Katrina Fanning Shield Grand Final.
Yass Magpies v Woden Valley Rams, 12:10pm, Seiffert Oval
It will be a showdown between the top two teams and it will be the first time the sides have played since their round nine match, where the Magpies won 30-10 in a physical battle that included huge hits and incredible attack.
The Magpies remain undefeated this season and have been dominant, winning the minor premiership by four points and having by far the best attack and defence in the competition.
However, the Magpies have fallen victim to an interrupted schedule, as this Sunday will be just the side's third game in the last ten weeks.
While it is a concern, Magpies forward Sami Afele says the club has done whatever they can to prepare the team for this weekend's grand final.
“We have been pretty fortunate with our club that we have lots of support,” Afele said.
“We're getting players from the other grades and they've been able to do some oppose against us so we can get as much match fitness at training as we can.”
It has been an incredible first season in the Katrina Fanning Shield for the Rams who are now just one win away from being crowned premiers.
The Rams had to do it the hard way after losing their first semi-final against the Bulldogs, responding with back-to-back elimination wins over the Blues and revenge on the Bulldogs to make the grand final.
The Magpies will be considered favourites going into this weekend but that does not worry Woden.
Rams captain Irene Macarthur has all the confidence in the world that playing ‘Rams footy’ is good enough to upset the Magpies.
“They have a reputation to uphold so the pressure is on them, ever since the start of the competition they've had targets on their back,” Macarthur said.
“We're just gonna bring what the Rams usually bring do which is penetrate and overpower with our strength. The coaches and I have been really intentional in the way that we come up with creative ways to utilise our strength.”
It’s going to be fireworks on Sunday afternoon, as the Rams will be hoping to claim their first premiership in their rookie year against an undefeated Yass outfit.
