CURRA LEADERS TO LEAD THE WAY
CURRA Swans coach Meg Greenland has declared finals aura will not be her side’s undoing this time around, with a host of rookies now at peace with the high stakes of finals football.
AFL Townsville’s minor premiers fought out a 14-point defeat at the hands of defending champions Hermit Park, and now must get beyond University Hawks for a shot at the flag.
A maiden title for the women’s outfit could coincide with a historic title double, should the men prevail in next week’s grand final.
Greenland has marvelled at the rise of several newcomers to Aussie rules within her ranks, with the likes of Georgia Lutz coming to the club without any prior experience but still making an impression.
And the Swans mentor said it was her assistant coach Eliza Oates and senior star Montana Dove who made the process of educating these players far more seamless than she had hoped.
Oates continues to pull on the Curra colours on game day, acting as Greenland’s eyes, ears and voice on the field.
Dove meanwhile has become the positive reinforcement within the team, while marshalling their attack with the Sherrin.
Greenland said the pair’s influence had been crucial throughout their breakthrough campaign, and she would look to lean on them yet again today. “(Eliza) is not ready to give up playing, so apart from the leadership group she’s my link in and voice on the field without me having to communicate it,” she said.
“It’s hugely different, she takes a bit of pressure off me knowing the message is being delivered without sending it through the runner.
“(Montana) is a natural leader and does it without being asked. She’s part of the leadership group anyway, but she’ll always have the more positive spin on messages.”
Curra will take on a University side who have been plagued by injuries in the back half of 2021, but Greenland is still bracing for a physical contest.
The Swans and Hawks clash will begin 4.45pm at Riverway Stadium, with the winner advancing to the grand final.