Devils Determined To Take Double

After winning last month’s Vawdon Cup Women’s Premier League title and coming heartbreakingly close to taking out the 2010 State Cup, the Wollongong Devils are hoping to go one better in 2011.

Following an impressive Vawdon Cup season, which saw the Devils go through year undefeated, they are motivated by last year’s State Cup final which they lost in a drop-off to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

With captain Nicole Beck out of the side for State Cup due to an ankle operation, Australian Women’s Open player, Jess McCall, and Cara Zaremski will co-captain the side. McCall says that despite the loss of Beck, the side is full of talented young players who are ready to step up.

“With the loss of such a talented player and more importantly a friend, Nicole Beck, I think our team has adjusted exceptionally well. We lose such strike power with Nicole but I have every bit of faith in the girls especially our younger ones,” McCall said.

“Making the grand final in Vawdon has really helped with preparing some of the girls for the ‘big’ games and I think winning Vawdon really has given us a huge confidence boost.”

“Losing last year in such a close game to such tough opposition really makes you want it that much more. Our whole team was either a part of last year’s team or was a part of the Devils club so everyone understood how devastating it was for us and it has been stuck in the back of our mind for the past 12 months.”

The Devils took out consecutive Vawdon Cup titles in November, defeating the Bulldogs in this year’s final, 7-5. The Bulldogs are chasing their sixth successive title in the Women’s Open division at the State Cup, and McCall knows that Canterbury, plus several other teams, will be difficult to beat.

“Canterbury winning five in a row at State Cup is truly amazing for their team and we always have such a tough game against them. You can’t deny that the Doggies always shine on the Sunday at State Cup and that’s something we need to combat come Sunday,” she said.

“They have such a talented team but I feel that there are numerous teams like us who want to beat them. The new inclusion of Port Macquarie will be tough opposition and as always I think Easts and Penrith are also ones to look out for.”

The Devils have made an impressive rise through the ranks over the past couple of years, which saw them elevated into the Women’s Premier League division at Vawdon Cup just four years ago. From there, the team made semi finals two years in a row before taking out last year’s Vawdon Cup title.

With the nucleus of the Devils’ team having played together for numerous years, the side has formed a strong culture and become a tight knit group.

“Some of us have been playing together for close to nine years and practically grew up together which I think really shows in our game and off the field. Our main theme in our team is that ‘we play for the people besides us and not for the trophy at the end of a tournament’. Yes it’s good to get the win but to play with 14 of your close friends, I find that more rewarding.”

McCall has had an impressive year, which has seen her make the final of the inaugural Elite Eight with the New South Wales Country Mavericks, represent Australia in the Women’s Open division at the 2011 World Cup, as well as help her Devils’ side take out the 2011 Vawdon Cup. The 2011 State Cup will cap off a successful year for the 22-year-old, in what she describes as her favourite tournament.

“It’s a chance to catch up with people that you rarely get to see but to also witness some amazing Touch. Being able to watch other teams in your club and watch other games is one aspect I thoroughly enjoy. But mainly it’s a chance to be with the Devils for three days which is always fun,” McCall said.