The Southern Steel coach has built a foundation on hard work, doing the basics well and earning the right to win.
But the beaming smile and the joyful pride in her voice as she talked about her team qualifying for their first ANZ Premiership final in eight years was evident.
The Steel beat the defending champion Mainland Tactix 60-54 in front of a sold-out crowd in Invercargill on Sunday to book their spot in the final.
It was a classy performance from the Steel, who were up by as much as 12 during the second quarter and withstood the Tactix’ fightback.
“For me it’s a huge honour to get the franchise to the finals,’’ Frew said.
“We’re just excited about what this group can produce.
“We knew we couldn’t, you know, take the foot off the throttle.
“If anything, we probably played a little bit cautious at times — but we got the win, so happy days.’’
Ashleigh Poi, who slotted into centre after her sister, Kimiora, was ruled out, had her best game for the Steel.
Frew said they had faith in the younger Poi, who had been working hard in recent weeks.
“As I’ve said when Kimi was out, you get a quality world-class centre out, it’s really hard for someone to come in when they haven’t had that time at centre,’’ Frew said.
“Really proud of her. She’s been working hard the last few weeks ... I thought she really brought it.’’
The Steel meet the Northern Mystics in the final on Saturday and will be looking to rectify their last outing against the Aucklanders.
They lost 61-53 in extra time after having beaten the Mystics 57-46 earlier in the season.
The Mystics qualified top of the league and advanced straight to the final — so does it make it easier having the week off?
“My personal view, no,’’ Frew said.
“For us, Mystics would have had a [training] game [last week] ... but nothing beats playing that pressure netball.
“Mystics are going to be tough — no doubt about it. They’re a quality side. They would have been sitting there watching this game and looking at how we played.
‘’I’ve got the confidence in the girls that we can go up there.’’
Frew said they would remain humble and prepare well for the quick turnaround.
“I’ve really got to make sure I set the tone this week for how we want to come out and obviously get excited, but not too excited and not too much pressure.’’
