This Saturday, the Blues take on Moama in the grand final, a side which beat them two weeks ago.
Mikaela Pyke’s team had a perfect record up until the qualifying final, where the Magpies earned a stunning 37-32 victory.
“We owned it, we learn from it, and we used it as fuel,” Pyke said.
“There were lots of lessons; it showed us exactly where we needed to grow, and since then, we’ve continued to put in that work, lifted our standards, and I suppose we’ve come back with a different mindset.
“We’re back stronger, hungrier, and more determined than ever.”
Teams going through a year defeating every opponent in their wake with relative ease can become complacent.
Pyke denied the trait had crept into her side’s thinking, but admitted it learned about the importance of being mentally ready after the surprise loss.
Sometimes, a defeat can be just what’s needed to refocus on the ultimate goal.
“It definitely was a blessing in disguise, we prefer to cop that then, and I feel like we’re probably better for that, and having that last game under our belt just last weekend,” Pyke said.
“We played in the heat, we really focused back on our strengths, got the connection going, and we know what we’re capable of, so we’re ready to bring that.”
In the aforementioned match, the Blues responded with a comfortable 16-goal win over Rumbalara, setting up a Moama rematch.
Tongala may not be perfect, but its C-reserve side effectively can become so on Saturday.
Victory over the Magpies would mean three straight flags for the team.
Moama has made itself a threat to Tonny in this grade, and the two clubs are also facing off in the C-grade and 17-and-under deciders.
“It’s always fairly competitive with Moama,” Pyke said.
“They’re going to give 110 per cent and so are we.
“We always know that it’s a good fight against them, so it’ll be an exciting match I think.”
The C-reserve grand final starts from 12.30pm at Moama Recreation Reserve.
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