Gungahlin Eagles Minor Premiers Women’s Premier 15s. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
In 2022, the Gungahlin Eagles women’s side, in their first season in the Premier 15s, suffered one of the biggest losses in the competition’s history.
The 98-nil loss to Tuggeranong raised questions about the team’s viability.
There were stages throughout the season when the Eagles had only 12 players available.
But coach Darragh O’Byrne, in his first year in charge, wasn’t daunted.
“Personally, I think when we had that 98-to-nil loss in the first year in the 15s, we encouraged the girls to stick together. We emphasised that it was a long-term project. We needed to build depth to be competitive.”
It was a fair call from a rookie who hadn’t coached before but was convinced to do so by Trent Pollard, who is now the team’s manager.
“We have tried to bring a good environment for the players with a strong culture,” Darragh recalls.
Gungahlin Eagles flanker Olivia Scott. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
Fast forward to the current day, five years down the track, and the Eagles women’s team are the raging hot favourites to secure the 2026 premiership.
Much of the team’s success is built on the back of a formidable forward pack, allowing the likes of winger April Downey to do her magic. She has crossed the line 22 times in the regular season.
Then there is the impressive goal kicking of flanker Olivia Scott and the leadership of half back Amy Rebera.
They finished the season as the minor premiers and stormed into the grand final with a 45-3 victory over Tuggeranong.
What is equally impressive is the number of players still in the side from that original team that faced so many hurdles in the first two seasons.
“Twelve of the 22 that played in the qualifying final were in the original squad, and they are now reaping the rewards. It’s important also to recognise the support we have received from the Eagles as a club. They have been incredibly supportive, from the president Ben Faulks down.”
Gungahlin Eagles centre Merania Paraone. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
Another important factor has been the work put into establishing close ties with Daramalan College.
Says Darragh, “This year we had eight girls come into our squad from Daramalan. This week we will be holding a training session at the College.”
It’s fair to say morale is at an all-time high within the Eagles women’s program.
The 98-nil loss in that first season is a distant memory, demonstrating the resilience not only of the women’s program but of the Eagles club in its entirety.
The Gungahlin Eagles Women’s Premier 15s will play the grand final at 2 pm on 29 August at Viking Park. They will play against the winner of the preliminary final between the Tuggeranong Vikings and the Western District Lions, which takes place at 1:50 pm on 22 August at Viking Park. Tickets are available at the gate.
Original Article published by Tim Gavel on Region Canberra.
