Dave Jeffrey had reason to celebrate in 2018 after being coach of the first Macquarie United women's team to win a Dubbo District Football Association title.
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This week he's celebrating again after the side won a third success first grade premiership.
A dominant first half effort set the tone on Sunday as Macquarie downed minor premiers RSL 78s 3-1 at Hans Claven Oval.
"Every grand final is special in its own way and this one was no different," Jeffrey said.
"RSL beat us twice in the regular season so we felt like we had something to prove and we did things a bit of a different way and we came away with the win."
The biggest difference Macquarie made on Sunday was controlling the pace of the game as Jeffrey's players slowed things down against a powerful RSL 78s side which loves playing on the front foot.
It worked a dream as captain Nikea Goodwin, Jess Gibson, and Shian Chatfield all scored early on.
"The first half was nearly flawless as far as I'm concerned," Jeffrey said.
"We scored three in the first half hour and it's hard to come back from that in a grand final but we know we had to keep the pressure on them and defend well.
"There was plenty of work to do because you can never take RSL lightly.
"They can score as many goals in a short time if you give them the time and space."
The Macquarie United defence, marshalled by the excellent Dana Taylor, did its job and only allowed the minor premiers a single consolation goal.
As well as Taylor, the Macquarie United midfield trio also earned plenty of praise from the coach.
"Nikea Goodwin, Elise Baker, and Holley Keizer. That midfield and Dana Taylor," Jeffrey said of the standouts.
"But I couldn't fault anyone. They all stood up when needed and put in 100 per cent.
"I couldn't be prouder because RSL is a very tough side."
RSL beat us twice in the regular season so we felt like we had something to prove.
- Dave Jeffrey
While the victory was a hugely proudly moment for Macquarie, the club missed out on a premiership double on Sunday as the women's second grade side was defeated by RSL 78s.
Despite that, it was still a hugely successful year for the club which was only formed in 2014.
Macquarie claimed the minor premiership in the revamped Western Premier League this year before ultimately being beaten by the Bulls in the decider.
There were also multiple junior premierships won as well as the two women's sides in grand finals.
"We're still a young club and we've been fairly successful in that time," Jeffrey said.
"We had three junior sides in grand finals and the Western Premier League side did and exceptional job and they can hold their heads high.
"And it was really good to have the focus on the women on Sunday."
Jeffrey added officials from the DDFA up to NSW Football deserved plenty of praise for getting the 2020 season off the ground after it was in real doubt during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown earlier in the year.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
