Sure, the blue turf at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve will play host all the same, but neither 2023 grand finalist has managed to return to the big dance.
Girgarre and Lancaster, the regular season’s top two sides, have this time taken their rightful places to line up in Saturday’s decider on neutral ground.
The stories written by both teams to that point had felt rather contrasting despite their identical 14-2 records, with the Kangaroos sneaking the minor premiership on percentage after Lancaster led almost all year.
The Wombats had taken on some late stumbles, staring a perfect record in the face at 13-0 before dropping clashes to Nagambie and Shepparton East and settling for second.
Girgarre stormed home with the utmost urgency, riding a seven-game winning streak into the first week of knockouts after earning top spot and the double chance.
Here’s the unavoidable problem facing the blue-and-white brigade heading into Saturday, though: that streak began off the back of a heavy 68-44 defeat to Lancaster in round nine, and found itself ended by that very same side two weeks ago in the semis.
As a consequence, the Kangaroos had to go the long way around via a trip to Tallygaroopna for the preliminary final, but held off reigning premiers Shepparton East by a surprisingly comfortable 10-goal margin.
Lancaster coach Michelle Hill is proud of what her Wombats have achieved and knows they’re up for the occasion.
“The girls are really excited,” Hill said.
“Our aim was to make finals this year, which hasn’t been achieved for a long time, so we’re really happy with the outcome.
“The improvement in individual players has been great to see. The team is a very close cohort and our young players have been really eager to learn and develop their skills.
“Having new players to the club such as Caddison Mulholland, Lexi Thomas and Chicky Vick has lifted the intensity of training, which has brought growth to our overall playing group.”
It’s been a massive turnaround after struggling to a 5-11 record and 11th place just 12 months ago.
Some young Wombats have had to undertake that exposure at the top level, given Lancaster’s much-publicised injury concerns.
Despite the constant chopping and changing caused by a parade of unavailability throughout the season though, Hill has always maintained that a strong side would take the court, no matter in which form.
Saturday, she says, will be no exception.
“Everyone is fit and ready to go,” Hill said.
“We are still a versatile side, even though we have had far too many injuries this year.
“On both occasions (against Girgarre), we have had players out with injuries.
“It’s just been a fantastic effort by the remaining girls to just get on with playing good netball and to continue being competitive.”
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