Liz Grey and Bulls FC Academy chasing the Double
Liz Grey led her side to the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Premiership and now has her eyes set on the Championship this Saturday against APIA Leichhardt at Jubilee Stadium.
The Bulls FC Academy captain says her team is not feeling the heat to complete the double in what has been a fantastic season.
“We don’t feel the pressure necessarily, it’s more of an immense desire to win.”
The Bulls secured the Premiership in dramatic circumstances on the final day of the season, defeating their Grand Final rival and finishing three points clear of them at the top of the table.
“It was an incredible feeling. The competition was so tight towards the end, and to finish on top was very satisfying.”
“I’m so proud of my team and what we’ve achieved this year (so far).”
“This season has been one of the toughest to date. There is so much talent across every team in the league and there has been no room for complacency.”
A campaign that saw a lot of change at Northbridge Oval bore fruit after 26 rounds.
“For the Bulls, it was a big year of change.
We had a few key players retire or move on and a new coach in Marti Garces, so we were building from the ground up from both a playing and culture perspective.
“We had a bit of a slow start, but I can confidently say now that our purpose is strong, our belief is strong, and importantly, we just love playing together.”
The Bulls had to overcome a tough Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Saturday night, requiring extra time to do so, but they got the job done in the end to book their place in the big dance.
“It’s a real honour to be in the grand final playing with and against so much talent. The semi against Mt Druitt was a battle, which is what we expected, and we know this Saturday is going to be the same.
“The job isn’t done yet, and our north star is that championship trophy.”
The tough central defender will have her work cut out this weekend against a potent APIA front line and identifies them as real threats.
“We know APIA have quality across the pitch, so there’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough game.
“You’ve got the talented likes of Ash Crofts and Charlotte Lancaster in attack who have had a great season, so we will need to be mindful of them.”
In her own squad, the Bulls captain is confident that anyone can step up as a match winner but picked out one team mate in particular that could be the difference.
“On their day, it could be anyone.
“That’s the beautiful thing about our squad – each player brings something unique, whether its speed, work rate, technical ability, strength – whatever it is, I think we are all going to step up and bring it on Saturday.”
“If I had to call out anyone, it would be Tamires Souza, the energy and passion she brings to the changeroom and the field is unmatched – she’s a winner and a great teammate.”
