SINCE Mish Somers first pulled on a blue and white jersey she has seen the standard of the Group 10 league tag competition improve markedly - it's a factor which makes the St Pat's skipper realise just how special her own team is.
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The Saints are on the cusp of a second consecutive undefeated premiership, Orange Hawks standing between them and glory this Sunday.
Beating Hawks in the decider at Carrington Park will not be easy, but that only adds to the motivation Somers and her fellow Saints have to win.
"The standard's probably the best it's been this year, you never go into a game thinking it's going to be an easy one and we'll get it over them. It's nice, it's nice to see," Somers said.
"From when it first started way back when, not only has the standard of the skills improved, but the speed of the game right across the Western Division.
"So you want to keep winning to prove that you are up there and the challenge of doing that is getting tougher and tougher every year.
"The top five this year was great, it was great to see Oberon come through this year, they picked up some players."
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That the Saints, who are chasing their third consecutive premiership, have continued to be one of Group 10s league tag heavyweights despite a number of changes to their squad in that time is another reflection of the depth of talent.
"Even with a few injuries throughout the year, we've always had someone to replace them and step up. We do have a good rotation system, Mick [Armstrong, coach] has worked that out well this year to maximise our performance," Somers said.
"All the girls, whether they come on in the fifth minute or if they come on in the 40th minute, they are still out there giving 110 per cent and doing their job every week."
Should the Saints win on Sunday they will have one more test awaiting them - defending their Premiers Challenge title.
"Dubbo CYMS over in Group 11 are coming off and undefeated season, so it would be nice to win and go through and play them and see what they've got in Group 11," Somers said.
