But they were also so much more than that.

The honour and finesse the Nambucca Strikers Blue brought to their season have elevated them in the eyes of the next generation.

"They're just a great bunch of girls, and that counts for a lot in football. They take things on so quickly which makes me look good as manager. I've been with the club for 30 years - I've played for 40 - and this was the most rewarding season I've had.

"We even had one official say to us 'I always put my hands up to ref your games because I just love watching the football you girls play'."

And so they very deservedly took their place atop the stage on Sunday at the Council's Australia Day Awards to be named the Valley's sporting team of the year.

"I was rapt, and very honoured that the girls were being recognised in this way, especially given how much talent is in the Nambucca Valley," coach Urquhart said.

Last season was the second time the team had played together; in 2018 they also earned a place in the final, but went down to a team that wouldn't have been out of place in the Premier League. But they were as gracious in defeat then as they were in their 2019 victory.

Coach Urquhart said they'll lose a few to uni this year, but with the majority of the team keen to run in 2020, they're looking to be a very competitive side again.

And with the spotlight they're shining on the game, they may soon even attract the numbers needed to fill the two teams required for entry into the Premier League - which is where they now rightly belong.

John Mills feels 'humbled', 'overwhelmed' by his Order of Australia Medal

Cowper MP defends sports grants