Undefeated minor premiers Stangas go into Maitland netball finals weekend as A-grade title favourites but any one of the four semi-final teams are more than capable of claiming the prize.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stangas meet The George (fourth) for the second week in a row in Saturday's semi-final after prevailing by just one goal in a 47-46 thriller in the final round.
On the other side of the draw NVY Comets (second) take on reigning back-to-back premiers Hills Solicitors (third).
There are no second chances with the winner of both games progressing to the grand final on Sunday.
Hill Solicitors' Mel Morris said only two weeks ago Hills faced the prospect of missing out on the finals for the first time in 10 years.
Morris said the pressure was off and they were just keen to have fun and see if they can continue their incredible run of success with a third title in a row.
Stangas shooter Karlee Grayson said entering the competition was a last minute decision when the Maitland Mustangs women's basketball team opted because of COVID-19 not to enter a team.
"We're just so grateful to be able to play something. Maitland netball has been amazing to get the comp on.
"We had no idea how we would go as half the team had never really played netball before. We've just got better every week and we are still learning rules each week, even in the The George game on the weekend.
"It's been a great competition, so competitive and new teams challenging. The top four could go any way really."
The Comets have successfully blended youth and experience this season and take in a spine on court made up of three members of the Maitland under-17 representative team.
Defender Sophie Hickling and centre Jessica Mossman were part of the Comets' push into the finals last season and they have been joined by young shooter Molly Young.
"The girls have just been terrific, they have taken their game to another level after their first year last season," Comets' Kiona Sunerton said.
Sunerton said the team had exceeded expectations and was excited about Saturday's semi-final against Hills and potentially getting through to the grand final.
The George's young star shooter 16-year-old Tayla Winter said the team was excited about Saturday after bowing out in the semi-finals last year.
Winter came up through Thornton's junior ranks where the senior team was admiring the George Stunners. She is an established member of what is a new-look team who are keen to create their own legacy.
"To go so close with Stangas last week, just a goal difference, gives us confidence, she said.
