FC had lost only one game throughout the regular season and it was against grand final opponents South Lightning.

Reduced to 10 players early in the game, FC was quick to brush aside the disadvantage to take control of the game.

Despite allowing Souths to score two early goals, Gunnedah FC took a 4-2 lead into half-time thanks to a first-half double from Andy Cygan.

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Cygan completed his hat-trick early in the second half, which allowed FC to run out comfortable 5-2 winners.

FC coach Alex Budge described Saturday's victory as "amazing".

"As a female coach in a predominately male-dominated sport, this win is certainly a highlight for me," Budge said.

"I was injured last year, so I took on the coaching role and enjoyed it so much I continued this year.

"Being a playing-coach in a season like this and to come out on top is just fantastic."

Budge said the influence of first-grade coach Andy Cygan was crucial to the team's success.

"I wouldn't have taken this role on without him," she said.

"He is a great role model, always pushes us to be better and helps us improve our game every week.

"I think his performance tonight [Saturday] just goes to show how committed he is to helping us go the extra mile.

"He has helped us stay a step ahead both on the field and off it, so I couldn't be any prouder of his performance."

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Despite several injuries throughout the season, Budge said Saturday's winning team was "pretty much the same" as it had been all season.

"To me, this win is even more special because we won it with a very similar squad to the one we have had all season.

"Often when you come into grand finals you come up against players you've never seen before.

"However, that's not we are about and I'm really glad our squad has been very similar all season.

"It's a great group and they really deserve it."

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