We’ve finally reached the end of the season as we commence our senior Grand Finals. After a tough few years of covid and wet weather, we couldn’t be more thrilled to host a full series of finals football.
Congratulations to all teams for a competitive year of football, particularly those that have made it to the final of their respective divisions. We’ve seen some huge results in the semi-finals as well as some incredibly close calls won after 120 minutes and penalties. Some of our League winners (Premiers) did not make the Grand Finals (that’s football) and as such we would still wish to recognise their fantastic achievement for 2022 and present trophies and medals, we would love the teams or representatives to come down to the parks concerned.
A few things to note for this weekend:
- Hensley – do not bring alcohol into the venue as it is a licenced premises. The canteen will be open all day and night. All spectators to remain behind the fenced area
- Heffron – canteen will be open – please note on Sunday Randwick City Council from Friday 2nd through to Sunday 4th have food trucks at Heffron for “Eat Drink Play”. All spectators to be seated in the stands and not behind the team technical areas or goals (especially if penalty shootouts are required)
- Waverley Synthetic – please ensure you have plenty of drinks and snacks on hand and all spectators are seated on one side of the pitch only
- Moore Park Synthetic – please ensure you have plenty of drinks and snacks on hand – no spectators within the fenced area (bring a chair or two!)
All Grand Finals are on synthetics and will go ahead despite the forecast. All team officials are to wear recognisable hi vis vests (see the friendly ESFA staff if you do not have any).
We ask all teams to go to the designated presentation areas after their games to receive their medals/trophies. This does include the runners up.
Our staff and Board are looking forward to seeing you all and some great displays of football. Good luck!
Now lets get into the previews!
Fri, 2nd Sep 2022
O35 Championship – Pagewood Botany vs Glebe Wanderers, 7:00PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“I think I can speak for all coaches in our league when I say 2022 has probably been the most challenging & certainly felt like the longest season in history. Covid restrictions easing meant every club had the same problem of juggling holidays to see family & friends with the usual injuries & suspensions added on. I don’t think we have fielded the same 11 players in back-to-back games in both grades all season which has been a challenge but at the same time a credit to the squad as a whole & players individually. The only long-term injury we have sadly had to deal with this year is that of back-to-back ACL injuries of former Premier Grade Player of the year Darragh Maguire. He’ll be back. Arguably though, Dan Breen Robinson aka “Sicknote” has missed as much football though with no injuries any physio can find.
Having lost a lot of players to our own O35s team & other personal commitments, we have rebuilt this year. We have had a successful, yet frustrating season this year with all 3 of our Senior Male teams coming 2nd in the league all by very small margins but all also making their respective Grand Finals. I am a strong believer that the togetherness across all three squads is why we have achieved what no other club has this year.
Like every club, we are no different & there are some massive efforts which happen off the field, in our club they come from the gentlemen that are Paul Liversidge, Garry Toase & Stuart Emmins. We also have a legend at the club that is willing to help with anything we need from refereeing, collecting fines or even simply coaching the lads. The only thing left for him to do is buy a crate of beers for the boys. I am of course talking about Ian “Duck” Rogers.
Thank you all for a great year. Mon the Glebe.”
– Elliot Foils, Glebe Wanderers RG Coach
“What a bunch of guys! Ego is replaced with respect and as a result an incredible friendship between all players, managers and coaches has been formed. From this a powerful desire to want to win for the player next to you has been the key to success in reaching the finals.
Coach Steve binds it all together. The boys have absolute confidence in Steve’s strategic decisions and have the upmost respect for their coach and friend. Steve’s passion for perfection is infectious and the boys strive to not disappoint.
Special thanks to Nick Martino, our team manager. So much of Nick’s vital work is often behind the scenes, but the boys never take it for granted and absolutely appreciate the importance of not just these thankless tasks that Nick does but the energy and manner in which he does them each week.
How we got here. We want to win every match, every contest, every opportunity to regain possession. We have the confidence to back our ability along with the determination to win the ball back if it doesn’t come off.
We all have a clear understanding of the responsibility each of us has when they are on the field and don’t rely on someone else to do it for us. We rise when the chips are down and ruthless when we go in front.
We have enjoyed the rivalry with the Glebe boys, but that’s as far as our compassion goes as we set our sights on Minor Premiers and grand finals victors!”
– Pagewood Botany
Sat, 3rd Sep 2022
Men Sat Division 6 – Mascot Kings White vs Lokomotiv Cove, 9:00AM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“The team has had a strong season and should be proud of making the grand final. We have developed a healthy rivalry with a strong mascot team over the course of the season with a loss and a draw, but we look forward to having the final say on Saturday.”
– Elliott Burton, Lokomotiv Cove Team Manager
Men Sat Division 5 – Mascot Kings Blue vs Sydney University SFC Yellow, 11:30AM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“The 2 finalists have been the standout teams all season so it’s fitting that there will be another hotly contested match to decide the champions. Sydney Uni has some tricky players, particularly in their attack, so we’ll need to play at our best to get over the line.
With 2 weeks to go before the season started, we didn’t know whether we’d be able to play this year, due to the other clubs voting against Zetland’s entry into the competition. We were lucky to have ESFA’s support and even luckier to find allies and supporters in the Mascot Kings club. To win the premiership and make the grand final is a huge achievement for the group but we want to finish the season on a high and win it all.”
– Joe Ninnes, Mascot Kings Men’s Team Manager and Player.
‘It’s been an enjoyable year for our team, with only two losses all season. Our two strikers, Sam Callaghan and Tony Jamel have enjoyed their best goal scoring seasons yet with 20 and 13 goals respectively. Our most valuable player this season has been Dan Gray, who unfortunately isn’t available to play in the final, so will be a big miss for us.
With both our losses coming against Mascot Blue, and their only loss this season coming against us, it’s sure to be a tough game.
While we’ve been in good form all season, our semi-final was a tricky game in dour conditions against Mascot White. Players from both teams were exhausted after 120 mins with penalties required to separate us – our keeper Aidan Lewis saved two penalties to help get us through.
Our team has confidence going into the final, knowing we’ve beaten our opposition before during the home and away season, however we know how consistent Mascot have been all year and know they’ll be favourites going into the game.”
– Aidan Lewis, SUSFC
Men Sat Division 4 – Queens Park vs Mascot Kings, 2:00PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“Despite a challenging season of rain, holidays and injuries, our players and everyone involved with the team should hold their heads high and be proud of what we’ve achieved. A tough end of season run in saw us lose out on top spot in the league on the final day, with our fellow finalists pipping us to the post.
As always seems to be our way of doing things, the semi-final was won on penalties in dramatic fashion, and so I’m sure there is still some late end of season drama to come on Saturday one way or another. Queens Park have proved worthy adversaries in our fixtures so far this season, and we look forward to going toe to toe with them again this weekend!”
– Martin Johnston, Mascot Kings Coach
Men Sat Division 3 – Mascot Kings vs Dunbar Rovers, 4:30PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“It has been an extraordinary season for our Div 3 team. We achieved a couple of huge milestones for the club, by winning 20 games in a row (including last season) and being unbeaten in 25 games, as well winning the league 2 years in a row. This is despite suffering 2 major ACL injuries, a broken jaw and numerous of other injuries.
This is a remarkable group of men, who have shown what it is to be champions and I am truly proud of being their coach.”
– Felipe Santibanez, Mascot Kings Coach
“After struggling with player absences/injuries early season, our team have hit a rich vein of form winning 6 on the bounce, unbeaten in the last 10 games.
We’re a new team this season so we weren’t sure what to expect but have managed to gel together at a crucial point of the season, making our way to the finals.
We know mascot are a good team but we played very well in our last meeting and were unlucky not to win. The whole team are enjoying their football and are pumped for the final!”
– George Gill, Dunbar Rovers Coach
Men Sat Division 2 – Maroubra United vs Lokomotiv Cove, 9:00AM, Hensley Athletic Field
“The team is really looking forward to carrying their good momentum into the final! With so many players overseas and some unfortunate injuries this year, it really has been a collective squad effort. It’s been a competitive league, with us managing to clinch the minor premiership on the last day of the season and coming from behind to beat a well organised Easts team in the semi. Thanks to the club for supporting us throughout the season, and in previous years as well. All the best to Loko, looking forward to another competitive game! “
– Patrick McCann, Maroubra United Co-Manager
“After struggling to find our feet with washed out training sessions and 1 point in the first 6 games. The boys rallied to finish 3rd! We’re looking to secure a fairy-tale finish.”
– Steven Zalunardo, Lokomotive Cove Team Manager
Men Sat Division 1 – Queens Park Black vs Heffron Hawks, 11:30AM, Hensley Athletic Field
MPL Reserve Grade – Dunbar Rovers vs Glebe Wanderers, 2:00PM, Hensley Athletic Field
For Glebe Wanderers comments – please see O35 Championship fixture at the top of this page.
MPL First Grade – Glebe Wanderers vs Coogee United, 4:30PM, Hensley Athletic Field
For Glebe Wanderers comments – please see O35 Championship fixture at the top of this page.
“All the lads and coaching staff should be proud of themselves for what we’ve achieved this year under difficult circumstances. Been a few great weeks on and off the pitch for the club and no better way to play glebe in the final at Hensley. The boys are buzzing, looking forward to a great game.” #DM9 #DG10
– Sam Kirkwood, Coogee United Player
Sun, 4th Sep 2022
Men Division 7 – UNSW FC vs Pagewood Botany, 9:00AM, Moore Park Synthetic
“Sundays matchup is a classic tale of 1st vs 2nd and a real milestone for this division 7 team. Under previous management the aa7s floundered at the bottom of the table but a change at the top has led to a renewed enthusiasm and some new (old) players added to a young core.
This game is 2 years in the making. Having gone undefeated in the limited games in 2021 but still missing out on 1st place through math calculations. In 2022 the goal was to build off the back of last year secure the premiership which looked like we had lost the chance after our 1st loss late in the season – that’s how close the top places were in this competition that a team with 1 loss might still not take out the league!
The team is excited and ready for the match up against a strong determined Pagewood team. Some banter was exchanged at last weekends semi with Pagewood cheering for UNSW’s opponents but we won’t hold that against them and look forward to another close game. 1 goal has separated the 2 games with the edge going to unsw with the only win from the 2 matches but none of that will matter come Sunday.
An early 9am kick off will have many looking forward to fathers day lunch so we’ll all be celebrating something regardless of the games result.”
– Robbie Chan, UNSW FC Player & Coach
“A consistent performance from the AAM7 Pagewood FC men this season. The dedication, passion and drive all comes down to 90 minutes, to the biggest battle of our season. We will fight one minute at a time to get the win and claim the premiership.
A special shoutout to our captains Jake and Giuseppe who have lead these men all season and provided guidance and inspiration.
We couldn’t have gotten through this without our strength, fitness and assistant Coach Ben Honig. Thank you to all my players, support team, fans and club.
We will see you at the big dance!”
– Peter Jonson, Pagewood Botany Coach
Men Division 6 – Heffron Hawks vs South East Eagles, 11:30AM, Moore Park Synthetic
“Affectionally nicknamed The Pelicans, our boys are full of belief and we’re ready for a competitive clash. Our squad can best be described as ‘resilient’, and we’ve worked and trained hard for many years to play a Grand Final. We’re going into this Sunday hungry for a win.
Up the Pelicans! Carpe Pisces!”
– Peter Nittes, South East Eagles Manager
O45 Division 2 – Queens Park vs Dunbar Rovers, 2:00PM, Moore Park Synthetic
“Dunbar Rovers O45 Div 2 are affectionately known within the club as the Gentlemen of Dunbar, or the GoDs.
With a strengthened squad we hoped to improve on recent years by earning a top four finish. The performances have been a bit uneven this year, due mostly to player availability. The squad dug in, played for each other and to a plan to finish third. We’ve been fortunate to get most of our players back and playing well in the past month, at the right time to have a tilt at the finals.
Dunbar played to their strengths in the semi-final against a very competitive and unrelenting Easts side.
Now onto the final against Queens Park. We’ve beaten each other in the league this season so the final is nicely set up to be the decider between us. Both sides are capable of playing good attacking football so we’re looking forward to what should be a great game.
If you come along, watch out for an appearance by GoDs legend, Pedro Marin-Guzman. Still playing well at 72. An inspiration to anyone who loves playing football.”
– David Mills, Dunbar Rovers Coach
Women Division 4 – South East Eagles vs Coogee United, 9:00AM, Waverley Park Synthetic
Coogee United AAW4 Mighty Cobras started off their campaign early in the season, with the goal this year to get to the finals. Losing a couple of personnel early in the year put us in a bit of a bind in a few positions, but we welcomed new faces and some who had been away for a little while, to rally together to get the job done. We came against some fine opposition who were a delight to compete against and some who weren’t; with a mixed bag of results. Thankfully, the majority of those were wins.
We had to fight hard across the board this year, with a Minor Premiership up for grabs. We toiled in the torrential rain and the scalding heat, early mornings and late-night games. Almost always with a smile, and always with the will to improve. Unfortunately, the game that was to decide that standing had multiple players away and we fielded only 10…though those 10 proved their point on pitch. While we didn’t get the minor prems title, that night showed absolute tenacity and class.
In what is the first series final for many of the team, they showed their quality in the semi-finals by putting everything in to their 120-minute game and came away exultant with the win. They will be ready and eager to prove themselves again in the final, when their opposition will get into the pit and fight for the win. A team that has already put themselves on the podium through hard work and dedication, I wish them the best of luck this weekend. Bring home the title ladies.”
– Courtney Wright, Coogee United Coach
“The South East Eagles FC Division 4 team worked tirelessly at training and created a team spirit that translated to the team committing to playing their best each weekend. The team was adeptly captained by Maria Skouras again this season
South East Eagles Div 4 team is ecstatic to have completed the season as Minor Premiers for the 2022 season. We completed the season with fourteen wins and two losses and a goal difference of 68 – an incredible effort from the team. The defenders were a solid wall rarely conceding more than a handful of goals over the season.
Although injury plagued some players’ seasons, it was the commitment and camaraderie that inspired us to remain almost undefeated. At times, we team came up against very strong and adept opponents but employing our never-say-die attitude that was portrayed in each match really provided the edge over the other teams.
We are thrilled to be playing in the Grand Final this Sunday, after disruptions to the football programme over the last two years. The Eagles are up against Coogee United, who finished third on the table and have proven to be a worthy competition throughout the season. We are walking on to the pitch on Sunday on a run of great form and with determination to win. Losing is not an option. Eagles soar!
– Maria Skouras, South East Eagles Captain & Club Secretary
Men Division 5 – Coogee United vs South East Eagles, 11:30AM, Waverley Park Synthetic
“After starting life as a new team in the AAM8 division in an unbeaten (but bloody Covid interrupted) 20/21 season, the boys made the jump to AAM5 this year. We had a great summer transfer window and began the season with a few strong additions joining an already formidable line-up.
After a good start in our first few games, we ground out a win against Waverley in a tough game – probably the first real test the team had faced. A run of big wins took us into mid-July, when a back-to-full-strength SE Eagles team gave us another stern test in a 3-1 win. A win after being down at half time against Maroubra in a good battle was another memorable game. The sole slip-up thus far was against Loko B in July in a 1-1 draw, but the team bounced back with a run of good wins and lots of goals, eventually ending in a League title with 50 points, 100 goals all up and three of our guys scoring close to 20 goals each. We came through a battling Randwick team in the semi-final to set up a showdown with SE Eagles this weekend. They are on the back of a good run, so we are cautious but optimistic of doing the double. Regardless of the result, we have had a great time playing together as a team over the last couple of years and would love to round it all out with a win on Sunday. UP THE COOG!”
– Coogee United
“It has been great to complete a full season of competitive games and a privilege to be able to compete in the Grand Final. Despite our teams aging legs, we have shown through pride in performance and the club, that we can match it with the young guns. Looking forward to a cracking game this Sunday. Go you mighty Eagles!”
– Dean Catharios, South East Eagles Coach.
Women Division 3 – Coogee United vs South East Eagles, 2:00PM, Waverley Park Synthetic
“The 2022 season started with some familiar faces, some new faces and even a new coach. After 3 practice games (all won) we started shaky on our first competitive game eventually losing 3-1 to UNSW. We then hit the training ground harder with more sprints, threats of a beep test, planks, and a lot of tactical work we went on an unbeaten run after winning our next game 1-0 vs Queens Park putting us on top of the table after round 6. From there we never gave it up, scoring the most goals and conceding the least. We went on to win the league with 2 games to spare. We had created an amazing team bond and teams feared us by parking the bus at times was the only way to stop our scoring juggernaut.Some great battles this year with some strong sides, not knowing who our grand final opponent might look like with the ladder changing many times. Credit to the other teams on a great season. I couldn’t be more proud of our girls they are a special bunch and I’m a lucky coach to have had them buy into my project (strict regime). I told them from day one that I believe we’d win the league without ever seeing any of our opponents.Many records were broken, and a lot of laughs, sweat and tears had along the way. Win lose or draw – it’s a season to remember.”
– Antonio Macri, Coogee United Coach
“Our AAW3 team is one of the longest running teams in South East Eagles history, although it’s often hard to find enough female players to fill a team, we are proud to make the Grand final for the first time in nearly 10 years. We still have one of the clubs original players, Christine, in the team as well as many new local players.”
– Nina Augoustis, South East Eagles Team Manager
O30 Championship – Coogee United vs Dunbar Rovers, 9:00AM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“The Cougars are proud to have remained unbeaten in the league this season, despite many injuries, an exodus overseas, and unprecedented fixture congestion in the latter half. We did well to withstand the challenge from the teams around us which grew fiercer as the season went on.
We started the season with several new signings and two new coaches. Preseason was characterised by a willingness to train no matter what the elements threw at us. This enthusiasm helped to quickly become familiar playing together. It also helped recruitment. We were the only team out there in a cyclone one night when a trialist came along.
After dominating the league there could have been added pressure heading into the finals, but we settled any nerves by rediscovering our goalscoring form of the early season in our 9-1 preliminary final victory. We showed a lot of character in August when we had to play 6 games in 14 days. This block of fixtures seemed to take their toll and we dropped our first points of the season in the last of these, a 0-0 draw in our penultimate league game. We took it as a reminder of how much stronger the league seemed to get as the season went on, and we will be under no illusions as to how much we need to be on our game on Sunday to take home the double!”
– Richie Vaughan, Coogee United Coach
O35 Division 2 – Queens Park vs Waverley Old Boys, 11:30AM, Heffron Park Synthetic
Men Division 3 – Queens Park Black vs Waverley Old Boys, 2:00PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
Men Division 4 – Dunbar Rovers vs UNSW FC Rangers, 4:30PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“The team is looking strong and focused, a lot of the injuries we have picked up over the past few weeks/months have been able to rest up and get back into match shape, and they are all raring to go and make up for any lost time on the pitch.
Having been able to win the league title and feel the high that it brings everyone is looking to replicate that feeling again on Sunday, but we are also aware we are up against a strong UNSW team that have a point to prove”
– Harry Meech, Dunbar Rovers Player/Coach
Women Division 2 – Coogee United vs Sydney University SFC, 7:00PM, Heffron Park Synthetic
“The 2022 season has been a nail-biter, with the champion (us) decided on the very last day. Coogee United won and deserved the crown after a ferocious battle and only one lost game this season (round 1). The season was marked with a number of important come-backs, where the team proved their tenacity and winning spirit. A fairly new team and coach that continues to win the hearts of the crowd with their beautiful football and play from the back.
Coogee faces the dark horse Sydney Uni at the Grand Final, a young and defensive team who carries no expectations after finishing 3rd in the league. This promises to be a tough game, with our Coogee team determined to show that beautiful football wins finals”
– Coogee United Team
“Taking on a challenge such as Heffron in the semis, is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, probably doing it wrong. I can guarantee that no one on our team was comfortable at our semis. With a 2-1 win in extra time, our Heffron opponents were a force to be reckoned with. It was such a pleasure to play against skilled footballers with excellent sportsmanship.
In the lead up to the grand final v Coogee, we are feeling fierce and prepared, for she who sweats more in training, bleeds less in war. No retreat, no surrender. We will always choose to play with skill and comradery.
So while I may not be able to predict the final result, as the woman once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get. And truly, with a team like ours, full of good people and lifelong friends, I already feel lucky.
So bring it.”
– Lauren Wonders, SUSFC Player
O45 Championship – Dunbar Rovers vs Pagewood Botany, 9:00AM, Hensley Athletic Field
“Dunbar’s O45 Championship side lost their Coach, captain, top goalscorer and several other players in the off-season. So, as the year started, we had to rebuild, adapt to some big changes and rise to the challenges the situation set our remaining squad players and new recruits.
The wet weather has made it a stop/start kind of season but the rain gods have been kind to us recently and the squad have played themselves into a good run of form leading up to the finals.
We never underestimate how good Pagewood are. They’re always well coached, well organised and have match winning players. It’s going to be another big challenge for Dunbar on Sunday but the squad are ready and looking forward to it.
After winning the O45 Championship for the two Covid affected years, I’m delighted that the Dunbar squad retained the Championship this year and will finally have the opportunity to represent ESFA in the O45s Champion of Champions this year.”
– David Mills, Dunbar Rovers Coach
“The Over 45s started the season with limited number registering but we managed to build up the squad number over time after having to start the season with 9-11 players each game! This led the team to a shaky start with three loses and four draws. The best game in 2022 was beating Dunbar in the first round and no other team has completed this task. A good result with the numbers we had.
Overall, we finished up second on the ladder and won our semi-final to get to the 2022 GRAND FINAL.
WOW 10 STRAIGHT GRAND FINAL YEARS IN A ROW. WELL, DONE TEAM.”
– Pagewood Botany FC
Men Division 2 – UNSW FC vs Coogee United White, 11:30AM, Hensley Athletic Field
“Well, everyone’s second favourite all-age team are back for their fifth grand final as a team. Premiers UNSWFC will take on the next best team in the competition Coogee United for the right to call themselves champions, and after the two clubs met in the last AA2 Grand Final, the students will be looking for back-to-back grand final wins.
Captain, doctor and part time model Gerald Riordan is backing his lads to claim glory at the Wembley of Sydney (Hensley).
‘We all know how strong Coogee United are as a club, we’ve circled out their left back Jay Cargill as the one to shut down, we know he runs the team and if he can get minimal touches on the ball – we have a great chance at doing the double.’
The two teams have played each other twice this season, with University taking a 3-1 win at Heffron, and in the second fixture, Coogee managed to claw back a 2-0 score line and claim a point.
If you want to get your dad a father’s day present he will remember and actually want, bring him down to Hensley at 11:30 on Sunday.
– Matt Vandenberg, UNSW FC Assistant to the General Manager
“The Mens AA2 Grand Final v UNSW is the 1 v 2 clash that’s been brewing all season and is shaping up to be a blockbuster of epic proportions if their previous meetings are anything to go by.
After a disruptive and often frustrating season with washouts and players away the boys have made it through to their 2nd grand final in 3 years. Playing with 13-14 players for most of the season, coach Kandalaft will have the luxury of a full squad come Sunday.
They came up just short last time after a narrow loss in 2020 but will be looking to make amends this time around and bring home the silverware. Get down to Hensley to cheer on the boys in what promises to be a battle for the ages!”
UTC!!!
– Tony Kandalaft, Coogee United Coach
Women Division 1 – Coogee United vs Dunbar Rovers, 2:00PM, Hensley Athletic Field
“AAW1 this year was mostly a result of a merger of last year’s 2 best AAW1 teams and rivals (The Clams and the Crabs). What resulted was quite a delicious seafood chowder. With some players regraded up from lower leagues and one new signing, there were plenty of familiar Coogee faces in the team but work to be done to get everyone singing from the same song sheet.
Looking at this team on paper and having played their first trial match together which resulted in a 9- 0 win, there was an air of confidence in the squad early. From the beginning, the team worked hard on their game in training, and it showed on the pitch. It wasn’t just about the wins for this team, there is more. They kept getting better throughout the season with no peak in sight. Semi-finals was best game they’ve played all year.
On Sunday they face rival’s 2nd place Dunbar, who were able to take points off them earlier in the season. There will be a fierce battle ahead.
2pm at Hensley will be a clash of the titans.”
– Nick Basoeki aka Baz, Coogee United Coach
“Dunbar, as with every team had the weather to contend with this year, resulting in many washed out games and even more washed-out training sessions. Considering these factors, I am extremely proud of our achievements so far.
The team is well prepared and excited to be taking part in a final after a bit of a hiatus in recent years. We had over 10 new and unfamiliar faces this year, including myself, so it’s been a real challenge to get to a level of understanding required to reach a final, win or lose there is a happy camp at Dunbar.”
– Chris Watson, Dunbar Rovers Coach
Men Division 1 – Dunbar Rovers vs South East Eagles, 4:30PM, Hensley Athletic Field
“Well, the team is very excited to play! It has been a tough season for all the teams, so a big congrats to all the coaches and players to make it to the finals! Wasn’t easy. We all had a lot of people away and enjoying the first year of « freedom » after 2 covid years, which is normal.
We had ourselves 2 terrible months with 70% of the team away but everyone is fit, motivated, injury free, back and on board since few weeks and ready for the final !
Our end of season has been very strong and we are moving forward to Sunday very confident and happy to be able to play this final. I feel my lads very determined to lift the trophy.
South East Eagles is a very good team, physical, with a great coach who knows his players very well. We are very excited to play them, and I reckon it will be a very tight game, both teams are very similar and close to each other in terms of level. Surely little details will make a difference!
Thanks ESFA for all the work this year and to give us the chance to enjoy this fantastic day. Also, Hensley is a perfect pitch and location to play.
We have an amazing group of players, all focussed and going the dame direction. Their only matter now is to win the final.”
– Regis Tereygeol, Dunbar Rover Coach
“After a tough season plagued by injury and the european holiday season, we managed to finish strong and repeat history by securing our 8th consecutive finals appearance, our 4th consecutive Grand Final and competing for our 5th major trophy.
We are looking forward to the Grand Final which no doubt will be a great display of football. Regardless of the result, football will be the winner.”
– Zak Bernard, South East Eagles Team Manager
WPL First Grade – Coogee United vs Sydney University SFC, 7:00PM, Hensley Athletic Field
“Our WPL move into the finals feeling confident with their form but are wary of a strong Sydney Uni outfit that have scored 50% of the goals against us this year. Our contests have been epic with Uni proving to be our biggest challenge – and we are aware of their previous form of being Grand Final specialists.
We’re excited to have most of squad back from various overseas jaunts and injuries but will miss our players that aren’t able to be here for the big match. We are also very thankful for the opportunity to play in a Grand Final after a full season and thank all the people who have worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen.
Coach Nigel Singh says of the team: ‘I think we’re starting to hit our straps at the right time. It’s been a long season and whilst it’s not over yet with Champions of Champions around the corner, I’m excited for the opportunity for the Ladies to play in front of a crowd and show people the high quality of football I see week in week out. The strength of this team is that it’s a strong squad with all players contributing significantly at some stage through the season. Lastly, our success this year, is really down to the strength of our Women’s program as evidenced by all teams making the Grand Final. The support we get on and off the field from the other teams in the Club is incredible and we’ll be doing our best to make sure we get the win on Sunday for them.’
Coach Singh nominates his player to watch as being his Irish superstar, Carol Breen. ‘This is a really tough call with so many people contributing throughout the year, but Carol has been so influential this year, I feel a big game under lights will take her to the next level. Only problem is whether she remembers to turn up in time for kick-off.’”
– Amy Singh, Coogee United Player and Vice-President
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!