The day of days in the Goulburn Murray Women’s and Girls’ leagues is fast approaching.

Echuca and Moama are looking to return the trophies to the twin towns, as the Murray Bombers, in the women’s league, and the Mowers, in the girls’ competition, face off with Shepparton United in their respective deciders.

Moama Recreation Reserve will be the venue as the premiers are crowned on Sunday.

In the women’s league, Echuca and United are set for a rematch after the Murray Bombers claimed the 2024 decider by one point.

The sides have traded wins throughout the season, the Demons striking the first blow on May 16 in a 5.6 (36) to 3.0 (18) win before the Murray Bombers got their win back 4.4 (28) to 1.2 (8) on July 26.

“I guess we have a bit of a hometown advantage, not so much a home ground advantage, but I think it’ll be a battle to the end,” Echuca player-coach Kate Dixon said.

“I don’t think it’ll be high scoring, it’ll be a very tough match, and we're going to have to watch that Shepp just don't run away with it and play our way and play our game.”

Dixon is one of only two squad members, alongside Holly Hughes, to be going for a third straight flag with the team in what will be the Murray Bombers’ sixth consecutive grand final appearance.

“The club is right behind women’s football and to be able to play in six finals, wins or losses, it’s still a great thing,” Dixon said.

“I know people (who) never get to play in a grand final, so I think that’s an opportunity within itself.

“There’s two of us going for three (premierships) and eight going for two, but irrelevant to that, just the opportunity to play in finals, they just don’t come around that easily.”

Earlier in the day, Moama will look to convert a strong minor premiership season into a flag in the girls’ decider.

The Mowers’ record paints them as favourites, but an unexpected defeat to United in the final round on July 27 has buoyed the Demons heading into the grand final.

Moama coach Kate Christie will be looking forward to having a full-strength line-up in the decider, after several key players missed that loss.

“I usually have a list of 25, I walked in with 20, so I had some key outs that day,” she said.

“Saying that, I’ve got an amazing list walking into this Sunday.

“We only got beaten by four points last time, and we had some massive outs, so I think it’ll be a massive contest this weekend.”

In earlier meetings in 2025, Moama won by 47 and 28 points.

Moama built a 12-2 record in the regular season, effectively combining experienced heads with the development of the younger and less experienced talent.

“I’ve watched girls who have never picked up a footy before and next minute they’re playing in a grand final,” Christie said.

“They might not have been standouts in the votes, but those little one-percenters that they did get us over the line sometimes.

“They haven't gone unnoticed this season, and they're so excited to be part of a grand final with this crew.”

Christie is excited to see the finals day come to Moama this year instead of Deakin Reserve, given the strength of women’s and girls’ sides in the area in recent years.

“I think over here in Echuca-Moama we deserve to be showcasing women’s football, and so I’m absolutely wrapped that Echuca (Murray) Bombers got through (as well),” she said.

“You’ve got us featuring and then you’ve got Echuca featuring, so hopefully we can knock off the Deakin Reserve teams.”

The final element of grand final day will be the conclusion of the inaugural under-14 girls’ season.

Pink and Purple made it to the decider in the four-team competition and will kick off the day at 10.15am.

The girls’ final will follow at noon, and the day will culminate with the women’s final at 2pm.

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Monday, 26th June 2023

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