Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth RedStar captain Shawn Billam, far left, and NTC skipper Grace Johnston

Perth RedStar will look to complete a clean sweep of women’s silverware in 2022 when they face Hyundai NTC in Saturday’s Top Four Cup final at Dorrien Gardens.

Carlos Vega Mena’s team added have already lifted the Night Series, Hyundai State Cup and league title and are yet to lose a game in any comepetition.

They also have not trailed in a fixture since March’s pre-season finale against Balcatta, despite opposition sides often raising their game in a bid to be the first to knock them off.

Skipper Shawn Billam admitted that variable has had its own challenges throughout an incredibly successful year, but said she was proud of what the girls had achieved so far ahead of this final challenge.

“We always had that burning desire in coming so close last year, so that was motivation for us,” the midfielder said.

“We have pretty much the same team as last year, ironed out some issues and are all on the same page. That’s made playing so much easier with the cohesion of the team and we’re definitely playing better football this year.

“But then being chased this year, we know everyone wants to beat us, throw everything at us and play their best football against us. So it’s been a constant battle, particularly in this last round of games.

“When you’ve stayed so strong for so long, it can get tiring and you can get weary, but we’ve continued to push through and the girls have done so well to maintain this standard throughout the year since Night Series.”

RedStar reached the final with a 1-0 semi-final win over Perth SC, Carla Bennett getting the only goal.

“At the weekend, I couldn’t fault the girls because we knew we would have to take another step and find another gear, given it’s been a close game against Perth whenever we’ve played them this year. We wanted to avoid playing Wednesday, so we had to get the job done, and the girls’ approach in stepping it up was great.”

Billam has won plenty of silverware over the years as part of Northern Redbacks and now Perth RedStar but says another win this weekend over NTC would fulfill a unique achievement, which they hope will live long in the memory.

“Motivation for me comes because I enjoy the game. I love being captain. I love pushing players to improve and trying to help get the most out of the girls within games,” she said.

“I really just enjoy being aggressive, competitive, and playing with this group of girls. It would be quite special to win all four and I’ve never played in a team that’s gone unbeaten, but it’s the little things within the team that make winning a bonus.

“Doing it with the girls is the most important thing. Redbacks had a legacy about delivering good games and bringing talent through in WA, and we’ve wanted to help set that tone for RedStar.

“I watched NTC’s game against Freo and thought they were the better team. They move the ball really well, have a lot of talented young players and know they will run all day because they’re enthusiastic. When they get it, they want to keep it, so we want to try and stop that from occurring.”

Hyundai NTC finished the regular season in fourth place. They overcame Fremantle City in their Top Four Cup semi-final then Perth SC in the preliminary final, where Tanika Lala scored the winner for Ben Anderton’s side two minutes into extra-time.

NTC skipper Grace Johnston admitted the 120 minutes on Wednesday night was a bit of a slog, but believes the challenge of playing in high pressure finals will continue to stand them in good stead.

“It was a hard game and the legs are sore at the moment but I’m so proud of the girls. It’s the furthest a NTC team has ever gone through a season, and hopefully now we can go on and win the whole thing,” the midfielder said straight after the game.

“We showed grit and determination and left 100% out there tonight. We just didn’t want to let them score, especially after we got the goal in extra time, and we were desperate not to give them a sniff.

“It’s brilliant to be a part of these games. As NTC, we aren’t always used to playing in finals so it’s really exciting. These intense games are just what we need. The curriculum we’re learning under our coaches Ben and Fernando (Barreiro) is definitely working and we continue to strive towards bigger and better things.”

Having taken the captain’s armband from the injured Catherine Adams earlier in the year, Johnston said she is relishing the opportunity to lead her team into battle against champions RedStar this weekend, where no stone will be left unturned.

“It means so much to have the chance to lead the girls out on Saturday. Unfortunately, Cathy can’t be there with us due to injury, but I’m going to be so proud and I just want to do everything I can to help us take home the win and try to stop RedStar’s unbeaten season,” she said.

“We will probably take a closer look at how they play leading up to the game, but we just want to come out, give 100%, at our end and play our game. Obviously though, you need to adjust slightly to each opposition, especially with RedStar and their elite attackers.

“It’s my first final. I’m sure that will sink it a little bit more after the music stops in the changing room and I get home. But we can’t let the nerves and excitement distract us from what we want to achieve this weekend, and we will give it our absolute best.”

The RedStar-NTC first-team final kicks off at 4.45pm.

The women’s action on Top Four Cup weekend begins Saturday lunch time with Hyundai NTC and Perth RedStar also meeting in the U21s final at 12.15pm.

NTC pipped RedStar in a thrilling title race on goal difference, by just two goals.

It is the second time in a week that the pair following NTC’s 2-0 win in last Saturday’s major semi-final, while RedStar advanced to the finale with a last-gasp 4-3 preliminary final win over Perth SC on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile there is a Hyundai Women’s State League Top Four Cup final on Sunday between South West Phoenix and UWA Nedlands, which kicks off at 1pm.

Phoenix won the league by two points over UWA Nedlands this year and the top two booked their place in the final with semi-final victories over Perth AFC and Sorrento respectively. The pair met four times this term with two wins for champions Phoenix and two draws.