A league medal on Monday and a best-on-ground in the Northern Country Women’s League grand final against Nathalia capped a remarkable week for Echuca captain Jacqui James.
Fresh off claiming the Chris Thomas Medal at last Monday night’s league best-and-fairest, the Murray Bombers’ midfielder was prolific in her side’s memorable come-from-behind win.
But it’s not the individual accolades that James will treasure most; it will be the premiership medallion and winning the flag with her beloved Murray Bombers that she will remember.
“It’s always a team effort,” James said.
“Individual efforts don’t count for anything if you don’t have the team with you.
“The premiership’s the one you want.”
And that’s the one she got.
James played a pivotal role in Echuca’s first NCWL flag, earning best-on-ground status in a physical clash against Nathalia.
But after the siren, the vibes were flying according to the skipper.
“It was a tough game, it always is in a final,” she said.
“The nerves are there, so you’re up and your puffing, but we stuck to what we knew we needed to do.
“It’s so good. The vibes are up and about.
“They’re the best bunch of girls, they work hard every single time and go at every contest.”
Despite heading into the second half trailing the Purples by a goal, James’ faith never wavered.
“Even at half-time, you could feel the momentum changing, the ball was down our end a lot,” she said.
“It just kept going inside 50 and when we drew level I thought we might have it.”