Willowburn must lift against title holders

Willowburn determined to take premiership off Rockville

FITNESS FIGHT: Willowburn's Shannon Tyrell (left) is under an injury cloud and will be given up until today to prove her fitness for her side's grand final clash with Rockville tomorrow. Picture: Bev Lacey

FOOTBALL: Willowburn flew through the regular season unbeaten.

The Magpies scored 161 goals on their way to the minor premiership and have won all three trophies available to date.

However, despite their stellar performance this season, coach Stephen Pennells said his side would need to lift their game against Rockville tomorrow.

"They (Rockville) are the premiers, they've got the title. They're a good side and they're not going to give it up easily,” he said.

"Our job is to take it (the title) off them and we need to lift if we want that to happen.

"The past 25 weeks don't mean anything now. It's one game to win the title and it's all about who wants it more.”

Having secured a direct path to the grand final after beating Rockville 3-0 in the semi-final, Pennells said the focus had been about the mental aspects of the game.

"You're not going to get any fitter at this stage of the season,” he said.

"And we have our shape, structure and style that we're going to stick with because it's worked for us.

"We have done a lot of technique work - focusing on our touch and close control.

"But we've also talked a lot about the mental side of things.

"Finals are about who wants it more.”

Heading into the decider, Willowburn have a few injury concerns but Pennells remains confident.

"Ebonney (Kidd) and Shannon (Tyrrell) are carrying injuries - they're important players so we will give them right up until Saturday to see how they are,” he said.

"We're expecting to welcome back Courtney Morris back from injury. She'll be missing a bit of fitness but she will still be part of the side.”

Originally published as Willowburn must lift against title holders