Warrnambool Rangers might be chasing back-to-back premierships, but a tough battle lies ahead against league champions Sebastopol Vikings.
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The top two sides will meet in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association division one women’s grand final at Morshead Park on Saturday.
Rangers coach Jim Gray said a strong start would be crucial for Warrnambool after going down to Sebastopol 0-1 in the semi-final, with the winning goal scored in just the sixth minute of the game.
“Sebastopol is a very attacking side… so we can’t afford for them to get a one-nil lead,” he said.
But Gray believed momentum would be on the players’ side having won last week’s preliminary final in thrilling circumstances, two goals in the final three minutes.
Meanwhile, Vikings coach Anton Maggi said his team would focus on just another 90 minutes of consistent football after achieving its goal of winning the league.
“We’re going to have to control the middle of the ground… I have no doubt that our side will create opportunities but it’s a matter of whether we can make the most of them,” he said.
The Rangers boast best and fairest award winner Isobel Stewart, but the Vikings have leading goal scorer Daniela Weinreich.
While the Vikings will field a team at full strength, Gray said there was the possibility one of his players, who he did not wish to name, may run into trouble getting to the game. Star player Stewart has also been battling an ankle injury the past six weeks, but Gray was confident she would be back to 100 per cent.