Garriock pumped for Sunday showdown

Heather Garriock will lead her team on Sunday to their second straight Grand Final appearance as Sydney University take on the North West Sydney Koalas at Valentine Sports Park.

Moving into this match as reigning Champions and current Premiers, confidence will be high for the ‘students’ and their mentor.

Garriock could become one of very few if any to win the double, Premiership and Championship, as both a player and coach.

In her playing days, the former Westfield Matildas star enjoyed much success with the Marconi Stallions, something she is now emulating as a coach with Sydney University.

Garriock and her team are more experienced for last season’s high scoring final against the Macarthur Rams but the coach feels they move into this one with a slightly different edge.

“Last season we went into the final as underdogs but I think we move into this one as favourites.

“In saying that though in terms of the team’s mentality it hasn’t changed since last year, we’re fighters and we need to put on a good show, especially in the Grand Final.”

In the last few seasons, the Premiers have been unsuccessful in the ‘big game’, a voodoo Garriock is keen to bury.

“We just have to stick to our game plan, we’ve trained hard and will have a big week this week.

“The girls don’t normally play for themselves they play for the club and that’s the most important.”

University has been gearing up for this clash and slowly temping their form.

“We’ve been preparing over the past few weeks but nothing changes, we train the same, we don’t train harder or less but we come together and it’s nice to be involved in the Grand Final week.”

Football is a stressful sport, in particular for the coaches and the final week of this season was no different, with Uni winning the Premiership by one point on the last day.

“It was very nerve racking but it showed the mentality of Sydney University.

“We really showed that winning mentality and character and it’s something I’m really proud to say the girls have and that will only carry over into the Grand Final.”

The North West Sydney Koalas await them on Sunday, a team that will by no means roll over.

“We played them two weeks ago and they’re a team with a lot of good individuals.

“We know their weaknesses and I’m sure they know ours as well.”

Garriock is confident though in her teams ability and believes they can go ahead and finish the job.

“If the girls turn up the way they did in the Major Semi Final we’ll certainly win.”