FC Bulleen Lions are full of confidence heading into their third NPLW Grand Final in a row against South Melbourne this Saturday night at The Home of the Matildas.
Caitlin Friend’s side finished atop of the table after 22 rounds, snatching the Premiers’ Plate from Boroondara on the last matchday of the season.
This Saturday, Bulleen has a chance to win the double after managing to defeat Calder United 2-1 in the Semi-Final in a hard-fought victory.
Intelligent midfielder Paige Zois said the team was “pretty chuffed” after the game, overcoming a side they have struggled to overcome in recent seasons.
“We played 120 minutes, so we were all pretty tired, but nothing beats a tough battle that results in a win,” she explained.
“They had the upper hand on us in the last few finals, so beating them last week in a cut-throat final, especially after going down early, which isn’t easy to come back from was a massive effort.
“After you face adversity, you come out stronger, so I think that definitely gave us more belief.
“Playing the game time we did has built our resilience a bit more and if it goes to extra time again we will be better off and I think it will show."
In Round 4, Bulleen defeated South 3-1 with Audrey Oastler scoring a brace, while Zois claimed their Round 16 1-1 draw was their toughest match of the season and knows the threats their opponents possess.
“We only got a goal to level it up in the last minute, so I think that shows how much of a battle it was,” she explained.
“I think that even though they haven’t beaten us yet this season, they are a quality side and have quality up the field and really strong defence.
“We are going to have to bring our A game, but I have got the belief in us, and I am excited for a really competitive game.”
This Saturday, Bullen has a chance to create history and claim the Premiers’ Plate and Championship in the same season, a goal Zois said the club made at the start of the season.
“We came into the season with a few goals that we wanted to win everything that we could,” he said.
“We set a goal to be the minor premiers, win the Nike F.C. Cup, and hopefully the Championship, we fell short in the Nike Cup, but hopefully we can fulfill our other goal of winning the Championship.
“It would be so special, I think it would be a good representation of the commitment and hard work all of the girls have put in, it would be a dream.”