Highfields eager to turn promise into results in grand final

Highfields hope to turn promise into results in grand final

Highfields player Anika Spiller sends the ball downfield during last week’s semi-final with Rockville. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: They might still be the new kids on the block, but Highfields are ready for this Sunday’s final.

After falling short at the penultimate hurdle last season, Highfields have been able to turn potential into results this year.

The youthful team won the President’s Cup, finished the regular season in second place, and knocked out defending premiers Rockville in 5-2 come from behind win in last weekend’s semi-final.

“The experiences of last year have really helped us move forward,” Highfields captain Belynda Murphy said.

“Our focus has been different this year.

“We’ve learned to focus on what we can control and what we need to do as individuals and as a team to win.

“If we have a setback in a game we focus on moving forward – forgetting about it.

“That’s made a big difference in our performances this season.”

Despite losing to Willowburn 1-0 in week one of the finals, Murphy said her side will take a great deal of confidence into the grand final.

“The win against Rockville has given us a real kickstart ahead of the final,” she said.

“I thought we responded really well after going behind two goals early in the game.

“We stayed composed and focused on getting back into the game.

“Having that good mental state is going to be important.

“The good thing is I think we have a lot of good players right across the park.

“We’ve got players who are capable of responding to any situation.

“Players that can make their mark as individuals when they need to but we come together as a team at the same time.

“Willowburn are a very good side but I think we don’t have anything to lose.

“If we can bring together the things we’ve worked on all season I think we have a really good shot.

“It’s a grand final so we will leave everything out there.”

Originally published as Highfields eager to turn promise into results in grand final