The Gallopers enter the finals as champions of the regular season, however in recent years, they’ve been unable to overcome Easts in the finals and achieve post-season glory.
The past two years have been bittersweet for GPS, making back-to-back Grand Finals but falling at the last hurdle to a dominant Easts Tigers outfit.
Entering the finals as minor premiers once again, the Gallopers will be determined to shake their habit of coming up short when it matters most and will be looking for a statement win against the reigning premiers.
According to GPS and Reds flanker Emilya Byrne, the girls have plenty of motivation after the last two years and are determined to bring home a premiership.
“We’re hungry, really hungry for the win especially after getting beaten by Easts the last two years,” Byrne said.
“We’re just super keen to come back and come back harder against Easts and get the win in the Grand Final.”
“It’d be huge for us, the supporters and the young girls coming through. It’d be something that the young girls in the club could see and strive to achieve themselves.
“Bringing the trophy to Yoku Rd would mean the world to us, our coaching staff, and the supporters.”
The Gallopers will have to be at their best to beat Easts, who are coming off an incredibly successful season themselves, even beating GPS in their last encounter 17-14.
However, even with all the success Easts have achieved in the last three years, head coach Gary Wilson says that complacency won’t be an issue for his women as they prepare for the finals.
“We’ve had our issues with complacency during the season and it hit us hard, but they’re completely shaken out if it now and we’re more than ready for this weekend,” Wilson said.
Wilson has also been full of praise for star flyhalf and captain Loretta Lealiifano, who he says is one that fans should be keeping a close eye on this Saturday.
“She’s a performer week in week out. She’s strong, resilient and a great communicator.
“Every week she brings something new and exciting to the field and is always one to watch for us.”
GPS will take on Easts this Saturday 5:00pm at Yoku Road, in what is sure to be a blockbuster start to the Premier Women’s final series.
