Sport + Motorsport
The Southern Steel are heading to the ANZ Premiership Grand Final, and head coach Wendy Frew is finally allowed to smile about it.
All season the Invercargill-based side has run on a game-by-game mantra, refusing to look further ahead than the next match. That discipline paid off Sunday when they beat the Tactix 60-54 at ILT Stadium Southland to book their place in Saturday night's title decider in Auckland.
"We've put a real emphasis on step-by-step, game-by-game and not looking too far ahead and I think it has set us up really nicely," Frew said. "It's very cool to now be able to focus on the Grand Final."
"It is a bit surreal if I admit it. You don't really think about these moments until you achieve it. Obviously, we put all our energy into the Tactix game on Sunday and to tick the box and get the win is a little bit overwhelming, but there's just so much excitement and pride."
The crowd at ILT Stadium Southland was something else. Frew, a former player of 16 years, said she had never experienced anything like it.
"It was such a special win at home. I reckon the crowd was the best they have ever been. I played for about 16 years and had some unreal experiences here but it just felt next level. They were loyal, they were loud and they just enjoyed the game."
Frew also argued the extra game was an advantage, not a burden. "This is like our third final this weekend. That's the mentality we've had and I think that has prepared us really nicely."
The GoSweetSpot Mystics — experienced, classy, and still smarting from last year's grand final loss — await. Frew was clear-eyed about what it would take.
"It will take a lot to beat the Mystics. They're a classy side, they're experienced and they've been here before. We just need to focus on what we can control, prep really well and be all aligned with our game plan."
"There's going to be nerves but that's natural and all part of it so we have to rise above that. Mystics are really hard to get ball off so any little crumb we have the opportunity to get we need to pounce and score off it."
Captain Kimiora Poi was equally blunt about the stakes — and her faith in the team to meet them.
"I just can't wait for Saturday actually. I don't know if anyone saw after the game but I actually had some happy tears. We came out and absolutely stepped it up another level. I'm just so proud of this team."
"It's not going to be easy. Mystics are a really experienced team and have been in finals before. They lost the grand final last year which I guess adds another layer to it for them. For us, it's focusing on what we can control, backing our game plan, our structures, and each other. We need to go out there with that confidence in ourselves that we can actually do it … we definitely can and I just can't wait to be part of it."
Sister Ashleigh Poi, who has filled the centre bib since Kimiora was sidelined with a calf injury, knew where the game would be decided.
"It's just the one percenters. I know it's quite cliché but just going for every loose ball and having each other's back will get us over the line. Winning would mean everything to us. So, while it would mean the world to us, it's also for the wider community."
Frew put it plainly. "I love a good fist pump and would very much like to be doing one of those about 8.30pm on Saturday night."