TORKINGTON KEEPING CALM FOR BIG GAME
THE return of Premier League veteran Shai Torkington could not have come at a better time for the Warriors this season.
After five years out following an ACL injury, Torkington returned to the football field and stepped into the shoes of injured coach Deni Caspanello at centre back.
She added a calming influence at the back for a young Warriors side which has defied the doubters to
rise into the Premier League finals this season.
While it seems Torkington has found her feet in the Premier League, the coach was adamant there was still more to come.
She is hoping to see it this weekend, but said every player in the Warriors squad had to step up with the side 90 minutes from booking a grand final berth.
“We have had a few season-ending injuries this year. The Mcavoy sisters have been out, myself and my sister, Rylee, is dealing
with cartilage damage in her knee,” Caspanello said.
“I am so thankful (Shai returned). She basically stood in as my role as a centre back. Our team is still very young and we needed her experience.
“I still don’t think she is at her full potential. She had five years off, she has so much still to bring to the squad. She has experienced semi-final and finals football before and she will bring a sense of calm (to the squad).
“Every player has to do their role and have faith in their teammates to do their role. We go into games with a one v one mindset. Each player has a job and they have to get it done.”
Caspanello said there were plenty of nerves ahead of their showdown against MA Olympic, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If you aren’t nervous for semi-finals something is wrong. Nerves mean you care,” she said. “But we are positive and ready for this. We have talked about the dynamics, we have tried different positions.”