Narrabri FC have completed an undefeated regular season when it scored its 15th consecutive win of 2021 to finish with a maximum 45 points at the top of the Namoi League ladder.
“To go through the regular season undefeated is an astounding achievement. The players, team officials and club should be extremely proud of their achievements” said Northern Inland Regional Coordinator Toby McVey.
The Namoi League preliminary final between Wee Waa Untied FC and Moree Services FC was postponed last weekend due to the NSW lockdown but is rescheduled for this Saturday 28 August should the lockdown be lifted. The grand final will be played on Saturday 4 September. Narrabri FC host the winners of the preliminary final at Hogan Oval.
Neil Brayshaw Narrabri FC
General Comment
They’ve exceeded my expectations this season, going through undefeated. It’s a credit to our whole squad and the whole club really. I honestly couldn’t ask for any more, I’m very pleased. I want the boys to stay positive and safe during the lockdown. Do a bit of your own work at home and exercise and we’ll get through this. Fingers crossed we can finish off a great season with one more game to go (the grand final).
Reasons for success and what was different this year?
Our preparation has been a major reason for our success and also something we did different this year. In saying that I mean our pre-season. We played two trial games against Gunnedah FC which I think is a quality side, we played them at home and away. We also played in the Johnson Cup against some more quality sides. We went all the way to the grand final that day and came up against OVA which is obviously the benchmark in the Northern Inland comp and I was proud of the way my boys fought until the end. We were down 3-0 at half time but we came out determined and we didn’t concede a goal in the second half. I also feel like our side is stronger this year. No disrespect to last season’s team and guys who are no longer playing for us, but we picked up three guys this season in key positions who have fit in well and have taken us to another level.
Can you go back-to-back?
Absolutely we can. We got the monkey off our back last year after winning our first grand final in four tries and I have full confidence the boys can get the job done this year.
Co-Captain – Zac Brayshaw
Reason for success?
Everyone is on the same page. We know what we want, and we know we are more than capable of doing it. It helps that most of the playing group have been together for over 5 years now and the new blokes to the group have fitted in seamlessly. Our depth is also one of our biggest strengths this season. Whoever sits on the bench is more than capable. Pretty impressed with the young blokes that have come up from reserve grade and played minutes too. They have been faultless.
Can you win the grand final?
Absolutely. We have been in this position plenty of times before. It just comes down to want. There’s no doubt whoever we play, it won’t be easy. In saying that though, if we play to our potential like we have all year and only worry about our game, we won’t have any problems and it’s not very often you play for an undefeated season so there’s plenty of motivation there.
How do you feel about having a week off?
It’s certainly not a bad thing. The back end of the season we have had a few games back-to-back so a week off won’t hurt us. Our fitness is the best it’s been in a long time so that won’t be a consideration.
Co-Captain – Cooper Brayshaw
Reason for success?
Reason for success would be our bond and friendship, as much as football goes you can have a good team, but an even better team is one that moulds right, the guys we have are incredible, all one group that can play great football.
As a younger kid looking at my brothers and watching them play, I never thought I’d be co-captaining a side with one of them and dad being a coach and sharing golden boot with my other brother. It all comes down to our whole entire club being one big family, from the young reserves coming through and pushing us first graders for a spot, coaches, managers, committee members, presidents, you name it, they all play a part in this huge achievement, and I could not be any happier to be a part of it.
Can you win the grand final?
Absolutely we can win the grand final, but I can talk about it as much as I want but we know it all comes down to it on the day, anything can happen but I’m confident our boys have a good chance!
How do you feel about having a week off?
A week off is always good, it refreshes the mind and gives the body a rest after a big season and even better, gets the boys raring to go for the big dance!
