The Illawarra Steelers are preparing for their second consecutive Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Finals Series after notching up 8 wins and 3 losses during a sometimes challenging regular season.
While it was their overall performance throughout the season that earned them another shot at advancing to the grand final, the defending premiers not only needed to win the final round against the Magpies but also a little help from results elsewhere to confirm their spot.
Head coach Jamie Sczcerbanik admitted it was a nervous wait.
“We knew we needed a win, but we also needed results to go our way,” Sczcerbanik said.
“We came away with the win, but not quite the points we needed, so sitting there 8–3 and watching the other games was tough.
“Luckily for us, the Tigers got up over Parramatta, and we get to go again in the finals.”
Szczerbanik says securing a finals berth is about more than results. It’s a reflection of the club’s pathway, with a remarkable number of young players stepping into the top grade this season.
“We had seven 17-year-olds play this year, and every single one held their own,” Sczcerbanik explains.
“That’s probably the biggest sign of success for us — seeing those girls come through, learn, and compete at this level.”
West Finds Her True North
Among those making their mark is Tiarna West (pictured below), a member of last year’s premiership-winning squad, who has developed into a key starting forward after beginning the season on the bench.
“Last year wasn’t the best for me, but this year’s been bigger and better,” explains West, who recently received the Coaches’ Award at the club’s annual presentation.
“I’ve been pushing myself harder at training and really building my confidence. Moving into the starting side lifted me, and I’ve just kept working from there.”
The semi-final against Newcastle carries extra meaning for West, 21, who played two seasons for the Novocastrians’ Tarsha Gale Cup side in 2022 and 2023 before she was recruited by the Steelers.
“It’s very personal for me coming from the Knights,” she said.
“I know how they play, but of course it’s a new team this year. I’m just keen to get out there, not let them defend their kingdom, and hopefully push through to the grand final.”
Lear Leading The Way
For skipper McKenzie Lear (main picture), in her second season back at her junior club after two seasons playing for the Rabbitohs, guiding such a youthful squad to back-to-back finals is a source of pride.
“It’s super exciting, especially with how young our squad is,” the 21-year-old said.
“I’m just proud of the girls and how resilient we’ve been. It’s not only exciting for this year but also for the future.”
Lear, who admits she’s grown in confidence since last year’s premiership win over Newcastle, knows exactly what the Steelers need to change against the Knights, who defeated them 28-10 in Round 8.
“Defence is the key. Last time we let in some soft tries, and we can’t afford that in a prelim. We know we can attack well, it’s about defending for the full 70 minutes.”
And when it comes to helping the younger players handle the pressure of finals, Lear believes it’s about trust and belief.
“We’re always pumping up those younger girls,” she said.
“Sometimes they doubt themselves, but Jamie wouldn’t pick them if he didn’t have full faith in them. We back them all the way, and I know they’ll step up.”
Words | Angelina Raula
Pictures | Denis Ivaneza