Despite her team going in as the underdog in Sunday’s Northern Country Women League decider, talented Nathalia forward Abby Favaro had plenty of belief that her teammates could pull off an upset.
Not because they had done it 12 months prior, against the same team in Echuca and by the same margin of nine points, but because of something else.
The Purples know how to get it done in grand finals.
The Purples’ men’s football team is renowned for its finals record over the past decade; however, its women’s counterpart is quickly building its own dynasty.
“We’re all pretty excited to go back-to-back. It’s pretty exciting,” Favaro said following the 3.8 (26) to 2.5 (17) triumph.
“Purps always do well in finals ... Purples are good at that.
“I think because we did it last year (gave us belief). It’s just a great group of girls, we were ready to go all week.”
Favaro was awarded the best-on-ground medal following her side’s remarkable win.
The classy forward shone in the wet conditions, with two valuable goals, while she helped set up numerous other scoring opportunities.
Favaro was the only player to kick multiple goals.
One highlight of her performance was a breathtaking contested mark early in the final quarter.
Running back with the flight, and with eyes on the ball, Favaro managed to pluck a gutsy grab before being on the receiving end of heavy contact.
“I’m a bit sore actually, I’ll see how I pull up tomorrow or maybe Tuesday, I’ll probably drink tonight,” she said with a laugh.
“They (Echuca) were really strong and rough in a good way, extremely tough, but the girls pulled through and they all played their role, which was great.”