Words: Blake Birt
Top Image: Chris Simpson
Middle Image: Albert Perez

As The Gap Women prepare to host Eastern Suburbs Women this Saturday at Walton Bridge Reserve, they do so knowing three points will secure their second straight premiership.

The reigning double-winners’ 2016 season has been truly remarkable, with the team averaging over four goals per match while only conceding once every two weeks.

Gators are now just four wins away from an unprecedented perfect record and captain Ruth Blackburn is using that goal to maintain her team’s competitive drive.

“The undefeated record is definitely something we’ve used as motivation,” Blackburn said.

“We talk about it all the time. It’s been our major goal this season and motivates us week to week.”

The Gap’s 2015 premiership was won in hard-fought fashion, with only one point separating them from second-placed Gold Coast City Women.

Blackburn credits their notable improvement this season to a successful integration of new signings.

“We’ve had a few key players come from other clubs so this season has been about integrating those new players to take on The Gap culture, which is excellence and wanting to win each week,” she said.

Despite having top spot virtually locked up, Blackburn is refusing to look ahead to potential semi-final opponents just yet.

"We haven't spoken about the finals yet because regardless of who we play our goal is to come out and beat whoever we play and remain undefeated."

While a 10-point gap from the top means Easts will likely be fighting for second, Garrath McPherson’s side boast their own stunning run of eight straight victories.

Captain Laura Harris attributes the purple patch, in which they’ve conceded zero goals, to a settled team sheet.

“I’d say less team changes in our key positions,” Harris explained as essential to the surge.

“We’ve kept our midfield together and their work rate in defence has been incredible over the last few games.

“We’re pretty realistic, we know The Gap would have to lose games to teams that they wouldn't usually lose to but we’re aiming to finish as high as we can while playing the way we want to.”

One point behind Easts are Souths United Women, who have arguably given The Gap more trouble than any other side this season in losing 3-2 and 2-1 in two encounters.

Captain Tayler Stevens is cautiously optimistic of securing a positive result should the two teams meet in the Finals Series.

“The Gap are definitely on our minds but we’ve had a lot of injuries that have taken a toll and might affect how well we do,” Stevens said.

“We just have to take it as it comes and hopefully we will do pretty well.”

With one clear leader and several worthy teams chasing from behind, the finale of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s season is sure to be full of drama.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women 2016 – Round 19

The Gap FC Women v Eastern Suburbs FC Women
Sunday, July 30 | 6:00PM
Walton Bridge Reserve, Brisbane