THE first week of finals is here, and netball fans couldn't ask for a better set up, with all four A grade matches set to go down to the wire.
In tomorrow's qualifying finals, Milawa will take on Moyhu at Tarrawingee, while Greta meets Whorouly for the second straight weekend at Milawa.
Then on Sunday it's down the highway to Benalla, with old rivals Goorambat and Swanpool clashing at Friendlies Reserve, and Tarrawingee taking on King Valley at the Benalla Showgrounds.
While it is hard to single out any particular game as match of the round, it is just as difficult to go past Greta v Whorouly.
The two sides were separated by just two goals when Greta claimed last year's premiership, and the Blues have extended their winning streak against the Lions to three matches with victories by one and two goals so far this year.
Last Saturday's clash at Greta was indicative of the closeness of these two sides.
There was never more than a couple of goals in it, and it was the defences of both sides that had the most influence on the final score line.
Meanwhile, Moyhu will be aiming to turn the tables on minor premier Milawa.
The Demons took over top spot thanks to a percentage boosting win over Tatong last weekend, but will find the going much tougher against the Hoppers, who are on a five game winning streak.
Star defender Jenna McLeod said Moyhu had no fear coming up against the Demons.
"We're just going to go in the way we've gone in all year," McLeod said.
"We'll play our best netball that's all you can do.
"With a bit of luck and some good netball we'll be fine."
While the Hoppers have lost four matches this season and drawn another, they have been in with a chance of winning each of those games, and McLeod is expecting another arm wrestle.
"It's very tight at the top," she said.
"Our biggest margin this year was when we lost by five goals there hasn't been a lot in it.
"We'll just go out and give it our best that's all you can ask for."
Sunday's elimination final between Goorambat and Swanpool is an old fashioned grudge match, and Bats star Kylie Button is expecting a fierce battle.
But she is confident Goorambat will progress to the semi finals, despite going down to the Swans by two goals in round 13.
"There's definitely a rivalry between the two clubs," Button said.
"They ran over the top of us last time.
"There were a few court changes last time hopefully we can work through it and come out on top.
"They've found their form a little bit, but we're definitely confident.
"Having a bit more of an advantage of knowing their game a bit better this time should help us."
The game between Tarrawingee and King Valley is bound to be a nail biter.
Last time the two sides met they couldn't be split, finishing tied on 50 goals apiece.
Neither side has any distinct advantage over the other, so the end result will inevitably come down to who wants it more.
BY - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
HEAD TO HEAD: Moyhu's Jenna McLeod (GD) is likely to get the job on Milawa's Jami Hunt (GA) again when the Hoppers meet the Demons tomorrow. PHOTO: Scott Anderson
Last Modified on 29/08/2011 11:15