South Coast Flame’s Under 20’s Senior Women’s team has created some early history for this young club by reaching the Grand Final. They finished equal third (fourth on goal difference) in the regular season recording 19 wins and 3 draws from 26 matches.

This weekend, they can take it to another level and bring home the first official silverware for the club at Senior level. Standing in their way is Mt Druitt Rangers who finished second.

To reach the Grand Final, the girls had to beat the League Champions, Hills United in the Semi Final. After going ahead as early as the ninth minute through Shayne Atkin, Flame looked destined to hold firm until Javiera Martinez Mondaca scored for Hills inside the last two minutes.

This would have been a bitter pill to swallow after fighting so hard throughout the game however the girls dug deep and with the game going to penalties, it was Flame who kept their composure best running out 4-2 winners and causing the boil-over.

Getting over the line on Sunday would be a landmark moment for Flame. This is just Flame’s third season within the FNSW pyramid, and the club has issued a statement of intent, not only for the competitiveness of the region and the program, but also for the pathway Flame are providing players.

Finding success at the U20’s level will hopefully inspire and pave a way for players to progress to the first-grade level. The club has become a role model to what it takes to compete for the youngest sparks. There is a huge source of pride and belonging for everyone involved at the club. With Flame doing things their own way, the foundations that have been set and they seem to be bearing fruit. 

Coach Lachlan Raymond is in the early years of his coaching career however the Grand Final for him is a personal milestone. It’s his first ever Grand Final as a coach and to be part of it at this level is a compliment to his ability to develop and get the best out of players.

Flame has had a draw (1-1) and a loss (0-3) against Mt Druitt Rangers this year however the results throughout the season have sat on a knifes edge. In the draw, it was an extremely cagey affair where both sides were hesitant to really show their hand and, in the loss, they capitalised on some mistakes and Flame never really recovered. Mt Druitt is a well drilled team that boasts the best defensive record in the league. According to Raymond, “the game on the weekend will be about efficiency but I am confident that we have a plan to unlock the door and a squad that is good enough to take the opportunities when they come”. 

It has been a season where Flame have been fortunate enough to show a quite varied skillset from a diverse squad. Individually, key qualities that have shone are the players dedication to what they do as well as their resilience in the face of when things have not gone their way.

On multiple occasions this season, the team have faced tense periods that have demanded a moment from one of the players and their dedication to their preparation has placed them in a position to capitalise. Equally, when Flame have missed those moments, there have been honest conversations where players have taken the approach to understand and learn, before they criticise.

Collectively, the team has an aura of calmness that is led from the captain and leaders all the way through the players with the youth teams that have stepped up during the season. This has been vitally important in games including in the Semi-Final where the girls lead for much of the game. This calmness and resilience is key to why they have the privilege to play in the upcoming decider. 

The mood in training so far this week has been a journey. There is some giddiness within the group as they returned to training after the semi-final, but the focus and willingness to solve problems has increased as the week has progressed. Coach Raymond believes the players are ready despite there being a mix of nerves, excitement and focus as Sunday approaches. 

As a club, we couldn’t be prouder and regardless of the result on Sunday, these young ladies and coaching staff will be winners in our eyes.

Grand Final | Sunday 8 September – 1.30pm @ Landen Stadium