Peters: Grand Final on NWS Koalas’ mind

They went about their business quietly as North West Sydney Koalas’ head coach Stephen Peters has slowly built his machine to what they are and where they are today, Grand Finalists as they entertain Sydney University in the big one on Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.

“It’s amazing, it has been an amazing season, the girls have really turned up for us and the club and they’re the only team to make the finals.”

It wasn’t easy though, losing the Premiership on the final day and having to go the long way around to make the Final.

But coming from behind and defeating a fantastic Manly United FC in last week’s Semi Final has showed their strength and character.

“Manly had a fantastic season and we knew it was going to be tough.

“We sort of tapered off in the back end of the season but we wrestled it back and it was important to get the win against Manly.

“I was really happy with our second half against Sydney University two weeks ago and again our second half against United.

“We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to taking on Sydney University next week.”

Having played second fiddle to Sydney University most of the year, first in the Preseason Cup, then the Premiership and finally for the automatic place in the Grand Final, Peters says revenge isn’t key on Sunday.

“It’s a Grand Final, everyone wants to win it.

“Sydney University are obviously a formidable team, they’ve beaten us three times this year so we’ll look to turn that around.

“The girls have a lot of belief and I think we can do it.”

Peters is proud of his teams fighting spirit, something he admits could be the difference on Sunday.

“I’m really pleased with the girls, even when we’re down we keep coming back.”

Peters praised his counterpart Heather Garriock and her team.

“Heather has them well drilled and they play a very direct style of football that can hurt you.

“We’ve done our homework on Uni but we still haven’t managed to break the ice against them so hopefully we can change that this week.”

Peters wants his girls to enjoy the week in the lead up to this biggest match of 2016.

“There have to be elements of fun to it, you don’t want to ruin the big week for them.

“There will be a certain level of enjoyment, we’ll touch on the things we’ve done well and things we have to work on.”

The Koalas coach is prepared for where the danger will come from on Sunday afternoon.

“Evelyn Chronis and Georgia Yeoman-Dale are formidable, if we can stop them then we can shut Uni down.”