Although the margin never skyrocketed, the cool, calm and goal-scoring hand of Rumbalara’s Sophie Atkinson helped her side come charging back to claim its first A-grade premiership in 16 years.
In the fast-paced and free-flowing grand final, Atkinson’s relaxed nature helped soothe Rumba as she dominated the goal end to help Rumbalara win the grand final by 11 goals.
Atkinson was given the player-of-the-match award for her efforts in Rumbalara’s premiership win.
The gun goaler was part of Rumba’s last A-grade premiership in 2008, and while both are special moments in her career, Atkinson said Saturday’s victory was her favourite.
“This one was better winning with the girls,” Atkinson said.
“Not to take away from the other one, though.”
Using her on-court experience, Atkinson said she tried to be a calming influence for her teammates during the match.
“I was just making sure we stuck to our game and tried to help get our girls over the line,” she said.
“We all have each other and we all stuck together.
“We knew if we kept that connection going through the match, we would go far.
“Hopefully, a good night of celebrating ahead with all the girls.”
Another Rumbalara star who stood out during the match was fellow goaler Jessie Barnes-Hill.
The recent league best-and-fairest winner was vocal during the early stages of the match as she helped Atkinson ease their teammates’ nerves.
“I was just trying to get the girls up, trying to encourage them,” Barnes-Hill said.
“It has been our motto the whole year: don’t worry about the mistakes; let them go; it is about what you do to make up for them.
“We made up for them.”
Having lost the 2016 A-grade grand final with Rumba, Barnes-Hill said she was ecstatic to secure redemption for Rumbalara through the form of a flag.
“I think we earned that — no point being humble,” she said.
“We had the perfect season, and it took all four quarters to do it, but it feels pretty bloody good.
“It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait to get that premiership medal around my neck.”
