Rugby league has returned to Shepparton this winter with a bang.
After a 16-year absence the Shepparton Eagles rugby league side was revived this season with great success.
The club was brought back to life after Shepparton’s rugby league players grew weary of travelling far and wide to train and play the sport they love.
A key figure behind the club’s revival is committee member and star player for the women’s side, Deborah Fili.
Fili — arguably the club’s heartbeat — said she had been amazed at how well the Eagles had performed in their first season back in the Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership competition.
“(We) definitely grew,” Fili said
“With the men’s, we had more players that wanted to come on board, but in the end, we had to close that up and shifted them to neighbouring teams.
“Just so that they could get field time.”
The men’s side qualified for Saturday’s grand final after defeating Tumbarumba by two points in a tight semi-final.
The Eagles’ opponent for this weekend’s season decider will again be Tumbarumba, with Fili confident that the Shepparton boys can find glory for the club.
“I think the boys are a bit nervous going off to the big dance, but I’m sure they will be fine,” she said.
“I reckon the boys can go all the way, but who knows?
“I am so proud of the boys as they didn’t even think they would reach this far and for them to get here is amazing.
“It is such an achievement for each individual player.”
Behind the scenes, Fili is a key figure at the club, but on the field, she is a star in the Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership Women’s League Tag competition.
The Eagles women’s side also qualified for finals, but was eliminated by Wangaratta in the semi.
Fili, also captain of the side, said she was so proud of how her teammates developed as the season continued.
“We have been really surprised with how everything has unfolded and how far both teams have gone,” she said.
“For both teams to make it to semi-finals, and for the boys the grand final, it is massive for us.
“The growth in the girls’ game has been really good to see.
“Their development has been so rewarding to watch and just to see everyone meet their goal has been amazing.”
The men’s grand final will be at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve at 3pm this Saturday.