The Cootamundra Strikers will have history on their side when they take on Tolland Wolves in the Football Wagga Blake Trophy grand final at Geohex Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Strikers will contest their first senior men’s soccer grand final in a decade, with the club’s last appearance coming back in 2016.
After a strong finish to the season, Cootamundra earned its place in Sunday’s decider with an impressive 4-1 preliminary final victory over Lake Albert Sharks last weekend.
The result continued the Strikers’ momentum heading into the biggest game of their season, with Cootamundra now just one win away from claiming the Blake Trophy.
Standing in their way will be a Tolland side which has already shown it can be dangerous against the Strikers, defeating Cootamundra 2-1 in the major semi-final two weeks ago.
The Strikers appeared on track for victory in that contest before Tolland struck twice in the final 10 minutes to secure its place directly in the grand final.
Sunday’s meeting will be the third between the two sides this season, with the honours currently shared.
Tolland claimed a 4-2 victory in Round One before Cootamundra responded emphatically the second time around, recording a 3-0 win over the Wolves.
The Strikers will take confidence from that result, as well as the way they performed in last Sunday’s preliminary final.
Positive communication and commitment were key factors in Cootamundra’s victory over Lake Albert, while winning tackles and aerial contests helped the Strikers build momentum and create
opportunities to get shots on target.
Those same qualities will be crucial against Tolland, particularly given the Wolves’ ability to turn a game in their favour late.
Cootamundra will also have plenty of attacking threats of its own, none more so than left winger Riley Mills.
Mills has proven lethal when cutting inside and taking opponents on throughout the season and will enter the grand final full of confidence after producing another hat-trick in the preliminary final against Lake Albert.
On the opposite wing, Harrison Fallon has provided the Strikers with remarkable consistency throughout the season.
Fallon has rarely, if ever this season, left a game without either scoring or assisting, with his rapid acceleration and selfless approach making him another important part of Cootamundra’s attack.
Captain Lachlan McDermott will also play a major role in the Strikers’ hopes of lifting the trophy.
McDermott has grown strongly into his leadership role over the past four to six weeks, leading by example and continually pushing his teammates to give everything they have.
The captain will again line up in attack, where his leadership will be just as important as his contribution in front of goal.
While Cootamundra has plenty of attacking firepower, it will need to be switched on defensively from the opening whistle to contain a dangerous Tolland attack.
William Osifo’oa is one player the Strikers will be particularly wary of, with the forward capable of playing across the wing and striker positions and possessing a clinical touch in front of goal.
His scoring record has been one of Tolland’s biggest weapons throughout the season, with the Strikers knowing they cannot afford to give him opportunities.
Tolland captain Shadley Kiprop will also require plenty of attention.
Usually stationed in defence, Kiprop provides strength and height at the back but is also capable of joining the attack, meaning the Strikers will need to remain alert to his movements throughout the contest.
For Cootamundra, however, Sunday’s grand final is about more than simply another game of football.
It represents an opportunity to cap off a memorable season and end a 10-year wait for another senior men’s grand final appearance.
The Strikers have already overcome Lake Albert to earn their place in the decider and will now have the chance to write the next chapter in the club’s history when they meet Tolland at 4pm on Sunday.
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