Southern Suburbs Vipers are chasing back-to-back Illawarra Premier League titles, while Wests Titans are plotting a stunning upset in Saturday's grand final at Berkeley Stadium.
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Titans stunned minor premiers Brindles 35-32 in last Saturday's preliminary final after Vipers beat Brindles 47-29 in the previous week's major semi-final.
The giantkilling Titans won their last premiership in 2008 and after losing their final round match to Vipers to finish third, they have beaten WNC Woonona Bulli RSL (fourth) 48-37 and the top side Brindles in consecutive weeks.
Vipers beat Titans 41-35 in the final round, but Titans had won their previous five games and now their two semi-finals to be in season-best form.
Titans beat a weakened Vipers this season, 27-26 in round nine, while Vipers came from behind to finish too strong in a six goal win in round 18.
"I'm surprised we have got this far but I'm not surprised with the courage and focus of my team," coach Kay Buckley said.
"One thing for sure we won't stop until the final whistle. The really pleasing this is we have found some consistency and are really working as a unit."
Goalkeeper Annabel Bretag, wing defence Sophie Robertson and goal defence Emily Osborne were outstanding against Brindles and will be a key defensive combination on Saturday.
Vipers are in their third straight grand final, with coach Heath Sangster ending a run of grand final losses with a 10 goal win over Brindles last season.
Vipers lost by a goal to Dapto in the 2013 decider, while Sangster and some of his players were involved in the heartache of four straight grand final defeats at former club Land.
"For most of the players it's their seventh straight grand final which is a marvellous achievement in itself," Sangster said.
"I think we know how to win these big games now and we're playing well at the right time.
"We respect Titans but we'll go out there and play our game and concentrate on what we do well."
Vipers will have their top side available with goal attack Michelle Regan in contention to play after being out for much of the season.
Vipers skipper Michelle Chapman has been a linchpin in their charge to the grand final and will be a key figure in the season's biggest game. The grand final starts at 3.15pm.
AT A GLANCE
Saturday (3.15pm)
Berkeley Stadium
Grand Final: VIPERS v WESTS TITANS
