Celebrations were rampant on-field as Boroondara Eagles claimed the Team App Cup courtesy of a 5-3 win over Bulleen Lions, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the partying had only just begun.
But according to Amy Jackson – the Teresa Deas Medallist for her best-on-ground performance in the Cup Final – the club’s focus this week was solely on their clash with Bundoora United this afternoon.
Jackson – who scored two goals in that clash – admitted the club hadn’t achieved everything they’d set out for this season, with both the minor premiership and Women’s Premier League title still firmly in their sights.
FULL GALLERY: Boroondara Eagles 5 Bulleen Lions 3 – Graeme Furlong
“It’s one game at a time and one training session at a time for us,” Jackson said on Sunday.
“Today we’ve won [the Cup], we’ll enjoy this, but then tomorrow our focus will be on Bundoora next week. That’ll be another critical game. We have a recovery session tomorrow and then we’ll be out there surely.
“We are a third of the way through our season. We’ve ticked off one of our boxes, now we have got two to go.
“There will be no stopping us, so come September, I’m confident we can do that.”
It’s been some journey for Jackson in Boroondara colours, and the Melbourne Victory midfielder revealed how much the purple strip meant to her, and what it meant to help the club win silverware.
“When I was coming back from injury [in 2012], Boroondara were the only club in Victoria who put their hands up and helped me out so I’m very, very grateful to them,” she said.
READ MORE: Eagle Amy Jackson at full flight with Boroondara
“To be able to help out and get the points on the board and be in contention for championships, that’s what the club is all about. I think the club is doing a really great job with recruiting players and good coaches around us.
“I’m really excited to have been able to contribute to the team and bring home silverware. The club’s been amazing all year and it’s really nice to reap the rewards now.”
Jackson admits the challenge and expectations laid on her by the coaching staff, in particular head coach Shaun Ontong, has pusher her game on to another level this season.
“Shaun [Ontong] is a professional and he has been really helpful for me, challenging me in different ways and the way I think about the game,” she said.
“He’s also given me confidence so I’m really grateful for all of that – it’s making me a better footballer and a better person.”
Her self-expectation has also driven her on this year, declaring in zest her disappointment at not securing a third hat-trick for the state league season.
“It’s not good enough, it should’ve been three [goals],” Jackson joked.
“I hit the post too and I’m not going to blame the wind as I should’ve scored that one. My teammates have worked very hard for me, and I’m just lucky enough to be the one capitalising on their hard work.
“If I can do that, then I’m happy for the team.”