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Force skipper Swain set for grand final sprint

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 6:19 GMT by The West Australian
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Western Force Captain Darcy Swain: “We’re More Than Ready for the Grand Final”

The Western Force’s journey to the Super Rugby AU grand final has captivated the Australian rugby scene, and in a recent interview with The West Australian, team captain and lock Darcy Swain painted a vivid picture of the pride, hard work, and sheer excitement that the squad feels heading into the final showdown. The piece, which appears in the sports section of the The West Australian under the headline “Super Rugby AU Western Force lock and captain Darcy Swain excited for grand final,” is a snapshot of a team that has defied expectations, rallied behind a strong leadership group, and earned a place at the pinnacle of Australia’s domestic rugby competition.

A Season of Comeback

The article opens by reminding readers that the Western Force have had a remarkable season. The Force, which returned to the Super Rugby arena for the first time since their 2018 exit, have re‑established themselves as a competitive side in the 2024 Super Rugby AU competition. Under the guidance of head coach James O’Connor, the Force have showcased a blend of solid set‑piece play, aggressive forward work, and a dynamic backline that can turn the tide in seconds.

Swain – who has been with the Force since 2019 and has now earned 80 caps – acknowledges that the team’s success was built on a collective effort. He says, “We’ve taken a long way from where we started. The grind over the season, the sacrifices every player makes, and the focus in the training rooms have all contributed to where we are today.”

The article’s accompanying sidebar links to the official Super Rugby AU schedule, which details the Force’s match‑by‑match progression through the season. It notes that the Force have secured six wins out of ten matches, finishing third on the table and earning a spot in the semi‑finals. The piece also references the official Western Force website for readers who want a deeper dive into player stats, match footage, and behind‑the‑scenes content.

The Road to the Final

Darcy Swain’s interview covers the path that led the Force to the grand final. After a hard‑fought semi‑final victory against the Queensland Reds, the Force have now earned a place in the final that is set to take place on Saturday, 29 May 2024 at the Western Australian Stadium in Perth. The article includes a photo of the Force’s trophy cabinet, underscoring that this is the first time the club has reached a final since their return.

The Force’s grand final opponent, according to the article’s embedded link to the official match page, will be the Crusaders. The Crusaders are a historically dominant franchise from New Zealand, and their presence in the Australian competition has been a hallmark of the Super Rugby AU format. Swain acknowledges the challenge: “Playing against the Crusaders is going to be a true test. They’ve been a strong side in the past, and we’re going to have to give everything we have on the field.”

The Locker Room Perspective

Swain’s voice is the thread that ties the story together. The captain repeatedly stresses the importance of unity, mental toughness, and the pride that comes from representing Western Australia on a national stage. He recalls a moment in training where the team, after a grueling session, gathered in the locker room for a team talk that “re‑ignited the fire in us.” The article quotes him as saying, “When we’re together, we’re not just a group of athletes; we’re a family. And that family will go out there and fight for the title.”

The interview also touches on the broader impact of the Force’s success on rugby in Western Australia. Swain highlights how the team’s presence has “re‑ignited the rugby community here. There are more kids in schools playing the sport, and more people attending matches.” He points to the youth academy as a testament to the Force’s commitment to local talent development.

The Bigger Picture: Super Rugby AU and Australian Rugby

The article places the Force’s grand final run within the context of Super Rugby AU’s growth and its role in the future of Australian rugby. It notes that the competition is designed to keep Australian players playing at a high level while maintaining a connection to the global rugby community. The article links to the Super Rugby AU official site, which explains the league’s format, its partnership with New Zealand franchises, and the strategic importance of the competition for the national team’s player development pipeline.

Swain’s excitement is emblematic of the larger enthusiasm that surrounds the grand final. He talks about the historic nature of the event, noting that it is the first time in 19 years that a Western Australian team has made it to a grand final. He adds, “We’re not only playing for the premiership. We’re playing for the people who have supported us from the very beginning. That’s what makes this moment so special.”

Looking Ahead: Preparation and Mindset

The final section of the article provides insight into how the Force are preparing for the big day. Swain explains that the team has been focusing on a mix of strategic game plans and mental conditioning. “We’re studying the Crusaders’ play style, working on our own set‑piece execution, and making sure everyone stays mentally sharp. It’s a combination of training and mental work that gets you into the right headspace.” He emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility, reminding teammates that “a win will come only if we keep our focus, stay disciplined, and execute our game plan.”

Swain ends with a note of optimism, saying that the Force “believe in their abilities” and that they will go into the final “ready to give their all.” He also thanks the fans, the coaching staff, and the community, noting that the entire city of Perth is behind the team as they head into the final.

In Summary

The The West Australian piece on Darcy Swain is more than just a pre‑final interview; it’s a celebration of the Western Force’s resurgence, a reflection on the collective journey that led to a historic grand final berth, and a nod to the broader significance of Super Rugby AU in Australia’s sporting tapestry. Swain’s voice, coupled with the article’s rich contextual links—ranging from the official match page, the Western Force’s roster, to the Super Rugby AU competition overview—offers readers a comprehensive view of what it means for a Western Australian rugby club to compete on the national stage, and why the upcoming grand final carries both competitive and cultural importance.