The Eagles were facing a rampant Rumbalara side that had claimed the minor premiership and seemed destined to play-off for the main Murray Netball League prize today at Finley Recreation Reserve.
But Lisa Drysdale and her charges forgot to read the script.
United charged late in the preliminary final to sweep into today's decider against rival Moama full of confidence and momentum.
It may have only been a one-goal win on paper against Rumba, but in reality it represented so much more than that.
It showed that no game is done until the final whistle sounds, something the Eagles will do well to remember against the Magpies.
An eight-goal loss in round three, a draw in round nine and a 13-goal qualifying final defeat at the hands of the Magpies is all that United has claimed from the previous match-ups between these sides this season.
But if it can take last week's form into the A-grade contest at Finley today, the Eagles are every chance to claim a premiership triumph.
“We’re just stoked to be in the biggest game of the year after the year we’ve had,” Drysdale told the Riverine Herald.
“We’ve come a long way since the first day of pre-season and I couldn’t be prouder of this group.
“Back in October my goal was to be right alongside Moama because they are the benchmark of the league — and here we are.
“We’ve got faith in each other to be able to get the job done in terms of where we need to be and what we need to do to win this game.
“We just have to stick with Moama because the game could change at any moment.
“Like last week it will be about making sure we take our opportunities when the time does come.
“I think we’ve got a few game changers and it will depend on what position they play on the day.
“But Charlotte (Long) and Steph (Watson) are definitely the keys for Moama. They have a great ability to control the game for their team so we’re going to have to defend them tightly.
“Limiting their influence will be key to our defensive game.”
In terms of United's attacking game, the likes of Amelia Brock, Tanner Edwards, Carri Carter and Drysdale herself will prove influential.
30°C