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Reigning WAWFL premiers Swan Districts take on this season’s minor premiers the Coastal Titans in this Sunday’s grand final at Medibank Stadium.
The game is set to see a large AFLW presence with both sides under the guidance of captains who call Fremantle home; Hayley Miller and Kara Donnellan.
The sides met two weeks ago in a major semi final with the Titans winning by five points to secure their spot in the grand final.
Swan Districts won their game last week against East Fremantle by 11 points to gain their place in the grand final.
Despite the result, new Freo recruit Kellie Gibson praised the way the Swans narrowed the margin in the second half, going into half time down 28 points.
“I think towards the end of the last quarter we showed up and wanted to play good footy,” Gibson said.
“We just pulled our heads in, but unfortunately the clock beat us.
“We showed up a little late in the semi final but we definitely showed why we were there in the first place.”
Miller said her team will take the same approach against the Swans this time around.
“We went out to play our own game in the semi, so nothing will change this week,” Miller said.
“Obviously a grand final is a step up from a semi, so the pressure is going to be on.
“If the girls settle into the game like they did the other week I think we’ll do really well.”
All eyes will be on Swans captain Kara Donnellan but Miller said the Titans will instead focus on an all-round performance.
“Obviously she’s an amazing player and you need to look out for her but it’s more of a team effort,” Miller said.
“In the last couple of matches we haven’t put anyone specifically on her, which I think has worked really well in our game.
“Worrying too much about who’s going to dominate for them can sometimes take away from what you’re doing.”
Gibson plays alongside the highly regarded Donnellan and praised her leadership.
“She just loves the game and wants to prove why we wear the black and white and how tough we can be when it comes to finals footy,” Gibson said.
Gibson uses her finals experience with AFLW premiers, Adelaide Crows as a benchmark for the way she will prepare for Sunday’s grand final.
“It’s a different league and a whole different ball game but a grand final is a grand final,” Gibson said.
“Having that experience, especially as a young player, has taught me to keep a level head and play the role I’ve been given.”
Miller was recently named runner up in the Mundella WA Women’s Dhara Kerr Fairest and Best for the 2017 season, just two votes short of winner and fellow Titans teammate Jodie White.
“I knew I had a pretty good season but it was awesome to see Jodie win,” Miller said
“She’s got the hard job of getting the taps down to me, so I was really happy to see her win.
“Obviously for me it was nice to get a bit of recognition for the season that I’ve had.”
Despite a Titans teammate taking out the Fairest and Best honour Miller doesn’t want the title to take away from the final on Sunday.
“I think it was nice for the one night but now to disregard it and look forward to the team aspect,” Miller said.
“It’s going to take the whole team and not just a couple of players so definitely just focusing on the team now."