Dingley was too strong for Narre Warren in Southern netball on Saturday winning by 10 goals (52-42) to advance to the grand final.
However a second chance awaits the Magpies this weekend, an opportunity to progress to the final day of the season and get redemption against the Dingoes.
Dingley lost just one game for the season (which was against Narre Warren) and coach Michelle Mashado said it was always going to be a big test for her side.
“We knew Saturday would be a challenge, Dingley are strong right across the court,” she said.
“While we had some great passages of play throughout the game, we had so many turnovers in the midcourt.
“Unforced errors and rushed entries into the circle gave them opportunities and they finished well … their execution was just too good.”
Mashado said despite this, there were “plenty of positives” to take away from the game and the season so far.
“Making finals was our goal in our first year in the Southern League, so to achieve that is a fantastic result,” she said.
“As a club, we’ve adapted well to the new competition, even though its been different not having the regular support of our juniors and senior footballers at Rowan Road.
“The six home games we’ve hosted have been a real highlight and a great way to build our presence in the league.”
Finishing second on the ladder means Narre Warren has a second chance this weekend against Cheltenham, with the winner set to join Dingley in the big dance.
The Rosellas are the team sitting in the way after they prevailed by one goal in Saturday’s thrilling elimination final against Edithvale Aspendale.
The Magpies have a 2-1 record against Cheltenham this season, but a close game is expected given two of three matches have been decided by only one goal.
“We’re really excited … they’re a quality side, so we know we’ll need to be switched on from the first whistle,” Mashado said.
“Training this week will be all about tightening our connections, being smart with ball movement and applying relentless defensive pressure.
“The girls are hungry and ready to leave everything out there to earn our spot in the grand final.”
The team, which will be at full strength, includes young goal shooter Grace Loelu who has scored more goals than any other player in the league with 579 for the season.
She will be a key player under the ring, while the leadership group of Brittany Mashado, Gabrielle Dwyer and Chelsea Tonna will provide great experience.
The preliminary final between the Magpies and Rosellas commences at 12.10pm at the Rowan Road courts in Dingley.
