It’s not that this is inherently uncharted territory for the Magpies — lest we overlook their berth in the 2023 decider opposite Echuca.
With that said, knowing the Murray Bombers have already punched their ticket to another big dance, Euroa must tread an unfamiliar path in order to reach the stage it knows so well.
One refers, of course, to the girls in navy blue waiting across the court this weekend.
Euroa powerfully overcame most obstacles in its way this season, emerging as every bit Mooroopna and Echuca’s equals on paper with a first couple of months in season 2024 that turned a few heads.
Things took a turn for the worse when Ellie Warnock’s side, dealing with a key injury or two on the day, saw a perfect run end at Mooroopna’s hands in round 10 courtesy of a 50-34 result that never looked like going any differently.
The black-and-white outfit dusted itself off from there, seemingly, getting right back on the horse with another string of wins before ultimately nabbing second spot behind the Cats.
Reality bit once again in the first week of finals though, when Euroa again found itself undone on the blue asphalt of Mooroopna in a Saturday night qualifying final against what can now be considered a bogey side.
Magpie leader Kellie Davidson affirmed that the squad’s vibes were just right heading into a crunch meeting.
“I think the win against Shepp was really good, just to be able to play the netball we know we can play,” Davidson said.
“Everyone’s been really committed to finals, getting to training and getting together a bit more.
“We love hanging out as a group so September’s really fun.”
There remains serious business come Sunday, of course.
Not only has Mooroopna claimed the edge by winning both previous 2024 encounters, but in a clash of the league’s sturdiest defence against its most rampant attack, it has been the former taking the chocolates.
Davidson has overseen things trending the right way though, and believes there’s good reason to go in confident.
“We were a bit better against them in the final than we were during the year,” Davidson said.
“It was a positive to see us improve, and I think we have the confidence that we can do it.
“With the mistakes we made, Mooroopna has been a great team and taken advantage, so I think we need to be more careful with the ball and make sure we’re converting.
“Mooroopna conceded the least so they’re a really defensive side, and I’m confident everyone will be able to play their roles as we have a lot of different options and combos we can use to mix it up.”
Grand final revenge is a tall order yet a tantalising prospect, naturally.
That will have to wait in Euroa’s minds though, with one step at a time the main mantra.
“Most of our focus is on Sunday, as that will be extremely tough,” Davidson said.
“The ultimate goal is to make it, but we have to make it through that so we’ll focus on that for the moment.
“I’m definitely feeling good.”
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