The Eagles’ senior men and women will compete on the last day of the season for the first time since the reformation of the club in 2024, and the first time in its history.
The Shepparton women’s team, after needing three periods of extra time and a golden point to separate themselves from Corowa in the preliminary final, meet the Cougars again at 12pm on Sunday for a chance at their first premiership and an undefeated season.
“(The whole club) is excited,” Eagles’ women’s coach Matt Lammon said.
“It’s a fantastic job to get where we are, both men and women.
“It’ll be a tough game for the girls, but if we just stick to what we've done all year, fingers crossed we'll come away with it.
“Both sides are keen to go, and we'll definitely be bringing it on Sunday.”
With the women’s team already navigating their way to the big dance, it was over to the Eagles men to join them in last week’s preliminary final against Corowa at Mooroopna.
Facing their final opportunity to defend their 2024 title, the Eagles rose to the occasion with a commanding performance.
Shepparton was ruthless from the first whistle, running out 74–4 winners with winger Joe Delainauluvatu crossing the try line four times and Ratu Volavola Jnr laser-like on the conversions, hitting 11 out of his 13 kicks.
Victory sets up a rematch against last year’s grand final opponent Tumbarumba, who had the better of the Eagles in the semi-final by 22 points.
But coming off a win like that, it’s safe to say momentum is sitting with Shepparton as it chases its second consecutive flag since returning to the pitch last year.
The well-wishers have come from far and wide, with the likes of Melbourne Storm’s Xavier Coates and Wallaroos star Cecilia Smith wishing the Eagles the best for their grand finals.
The Eagles women play off at 12pm, with the senior men kicking off at 3pm this Sunday, September 7 at Glenrowan Reserve.
