The Tathra ladies outfit have returned to form to claim a grand final place after slipping to third on the competition table this season. 

And now with the ultimate showdown looming, coaches Col Funston and David Howard are backing the Eaglettes to get over the line this time, but they know it won’t be easy. 

“The women’s grand final game against the favourites – Eden – should be yet another tough arm wrestle until the final siren, the pair said. 

“The Tathra Eaglettes are currently in a rush against time to get four injured players fit in time for the big game.

However, the coaches Funston and Howard believe they have the depth of talent and versatility to cover any personnel changes. “The performance of our 10 first year players could well be the difference on the day, given their enthusiasm and commitment to our team first ethos!”

The duo said the club’s leadership group could be just the players to look out for as the team hopes to peg back the Whalers on Saturday. 

They said to look for a big game out of captain Elouise Sherwin-Russell, Cymmon Parker, Brea Williams and Eliza Terrey. 

Young guns Yasmin Welsford and Tyra-Lee Palmer had been stepping up in a big way, while experienced hands Sam Crowley, Tyjana Blacka, Sharri Manning and Naomi Shoobridge could sway the result. 

“But no matter what the outcome, the Tathra girls do us proud,” the coaches said. 

The Tathra reserve grade roster are similarly peaking at the right time of the year after eliminating season-long rivals Merimbula in the preliminary final. 

The Sea Eagles have cemented a number of their combinations with some good combinations working the ball forward. 

The Manning brothers Baz and Leigh have been standing up well in the middle, while forward Adam Blacka has been in fine form with the boot. 

Zac Harlow has been providing good impact, while the ever-versatile David Little will be up and about after recently being made a life member of SCAFL. 

Little is massive in the defensive lines for the Sea Eagles and literally throws himself into mark contests to come up with the ball. 

With Peter Cross also standing tall and Scott Orr putting in some great performances, the Sea Eagles will be hoping to knock the Pambula Panthers off the totem pole. 

However, both teams need to be wary because they’ve taken the long path to the grand final and will be fronting up to fresh opponents. 

The Sapphire Coast AFL grand final is at Narooma’s Bill Smyth Memorial Oval on Saturday.  The reserves open senior play at 11.50am.