The Hoiho captain knows how hard they have worked behind the scenes to earn a shot at lifting the Tauihi Basketball title.
They had a tough run last season, finishing with a record of 3-9 to miss the playoffs. But they bounced back with a record of 7-5 this season to finish as third seed and meet the Mainland Pouākai in their semifinal tomorrow.
"I think this year we’ve just had an amazing bunch of humans in and around the squad," Gallaher said.
"From basically top to the bottom, every one’s kind of bought into Todd [Marshall’s] vision and what he wanted.
"Obviously, having some incredibly amazing players come in and join the locals has also benefited us, but I just think our culture’s been really strong this year — it’s been awesome."
Marshall has coached the Hoiho since 2022 and has been the cornerstone to their success during his tenure.
"I think he’s incredibly important because at the end of the day, he’s our leader and he is the one kind of steering the ship — although he won’t admit he does that.
"But it’s because of the man he is that he offers basically [the] licence for the rest of us to be ourselves, and to lead in different ways, and he supports us and kind of understands us as humans.
"Without him and his support staff as well — they’re all just as wonderful — we’d probably be in a different position."
Across the floor the Hoiho have looked good this season and have the numbers to prove it.
Paige Bradley — who passed 500 points for the Hoiho this season — leads the league for assists (89), Jessie Edwards leads for blocks (18), Bec Pizzey leads for two-point percentage (61.3%) and field goal percentage (55.9%), and Lil Dart leads for three-point percentage (50.9%).
They will need all of that when they meet the Pouākai at Cowles Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
The two have had some big battles this season: the Pouākai won 121-83 in the opening game of the season, the Hoiho replied on with a 102-66 thumping on October 31 and also won 99-94 last month.
"You’ve got to love a southern rivalry," Gallaher said.
"I think it’s basically in your blood if you’re born here in Otago.
"Very much looking forward to it. I think we’ve had a good prep week leading into the weekend, so I know every one’s fizzing and our families, and friends, are also jumping on the buzz."
The Tokomanawa Queens, who finished as the top seed, will host the Whai in the other semifinal this afternoon.
If the Queens win, they will host the Tauihi final next weekend.
However if they lose, either the Pouākai or the Hoiho will host the final depending on the winner of their semifinal.
