Shepparton United strive for the double in Goulburn Murray Women and Girls League

For women’s coach Grant Searle, such an achievement would be nothing short of “sensational”.

As the youth girls take on minor premier Moama at 12:00pm at Moama Recreation Reserve, the seniors will take to the ground against Mansfield at 2:00pm.

The senior women’s outfit, hunting back-to-back flags, has gone 2026 undefeated, recording a percentage of an even 1000 after 14 home and away games, with its narrowest margin of victory no smaller than 16 points.

Meanwhile the youth girls are entering the decider with ripping form, having last beaten its grand final opponent by 100 points less than a month ago.

Youth girls coach Luke Maskell doesn’t expect the result to be as significant in a crunch time clash like a grand final, but believes the girls’ development over the season makes the Demons a real threat.

“Every game against Moama this season we’ve improved,” Maskell said.

“The first game we lost by 60, the second we lost by 10, and then the latest we won by 100 points.

“They had a few players out in that last game we played them, but I think we are matching them.

“Our girls have developed and I think it’s going to be a really tight game.

“It’s not going to be easy for either team, and if we can hold our nerve I think we should be able to get across the line.”

Likewise to the senior outfit, the Demons’ girls made the grand final last year, but lost to the Mowers by 26 points.

Maskell hopes the lessons out of that day 12 months ago will alter the result this time around.

“I’m trying not to build the excitement too much because I think that’s what caused a lot of issues last year, they got too excited or nervous and Moama went out there and kicked a few quick goals on us, and we weren’t able to get back into the contest,” he said.

“We’re treating it like another normal game and if their mindset’s right, we should be right.”

As for the women’s, there is a different challenge for Searle’s crew.

The pressure of being the hunted, rather than the hunters, has been water off a duck’s back for the Dees through its campaign so far.

But there is still one final hurdle to leap over, and Searle knows his side’s focus mustn’t waver.

“Mansfield is a good side, don’t take anything away from them,” Searle said.

“They’ve got a great coach, and no doubt it’s going to be a tough encounter.

“I think they are worthy opponents and deserve their spot in the grand final.”

However, the Demons have an extra weapon the Eagles don’t - grand final experience.

After a runners-up effort in 2024, the Demons reached the GMWGL peak in 2025, and have a bulk of players going for back-to-back gongs.

“You can’t dismiss that,” Searle said.

“The experience they got last year will put us in good stead, I think on game day it will really help with the nerves.

“Those new players on the team will be surrounded with those with experience as well, so that’s handy too.”

The Demon double is in both teams’ sights - and what a celebration it would be for the region’s most dedicated club to the growth and development of female football.

“It’s important for any club, but for our club at the moment, the way we’re travelling, it would be sensational to say the least,” Searle said.

The heart of women’s football beats true at Shepparton United.