As the Winnipeg Blue Bombers gear up for Sunday’s Grey Cup against the Toronto Argonauts, Head Coach Mike O’Shea emphasized the team’s meticulous preparation, camaraderie, and pride in their Canadian talent during a press conference on Friday.
When asked about the exceptional performance of Canadian players on the team, O’Shea expressed admiration for their contributions across the CFL.
“Our Canadian players are exceptional across the board,” he said, noting that improved coaching and athletic development have elevated Canadian football to unprecedented heights.
When asked about key players and recent accolades, O’Shea celebrated the team’s Most Outstanding Player, Brady Oliveira, commending his focus and humility.
“He plays the game the right way, and he plays it the way we like it,” O’Shea said, emphasizing that individual awards reflect the collective efforts of the team.
The Bombers’ preparation has been intense yet efficient. With crisp practices and minimal mistakes, O’Shea feels confident about his team’s readiness.
“They were on point, certainly excited to be out there,” he said. Looking ahead to Sunday, O’Shea says he has been encouraging his players to stay relaxed and focus on honouring their teammates with continued dedication.
The sacrifices made by players throughout the season, from missing personal milestones to coping with losses, have forged a deeper bond among teammates. “They don’t need to look outside the room to be inspired to play Bombers football,” O’Shea said. “They just have to look at the guy next to them.”
With the final whistle approaching, O’Shea remains focused on the fundamentals. “It comes down to 60 minutes of good football,” he said.
For the Blue Bombers, those minutes will determine whether they add another championship and cement this team's place in the CFL history books as an official dynasty.