SEASON 2013-14 has pretty much gone to script for the Bendigo Spirit.
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Elyse Penaluna's season-ending injury aside, the Spirit couldn't have asked for a better preparation for the play-offs.
Coach Bernie Harrower knows his side will have no excuses should it fail to defeat Dandenong in Sunday's semi-final at Bendigo Stadium.
"This is the week we've been waiting for,'' Harrower said.
"We've known for a month now that we were going to finish on top and you could tell at training this week just how excited the girls are to be heading into the finals.
"Training has been the best it's been all year and there's a great feeling around the group.
"We've played well the past few weeks and now we're ready to go for the finals."
The Spirit has beaten Dandenong the past nine times they've met, including in the corresponding final last year.
The Rangers have shown they have the ability to test the Spirit, but they're yet to land a knockout blow.
"In one of the games against Dandenong this year they were up by five at three quarter-time and we had to produce a great last quarter to win,'' Harrower said.
"In one of the other games there was only one point in it at three quarter-time.
"Dandenong is an extremely talented side and we won't be taking them lightly."
Harrower said his side's defence will determine the outcome of the match.
"Our game is based around our defence and our aim is to keep Dandenong to a losing score,'' he said.
"We don't want to get into a shootout with Dandenong. They can easily score 85 to 90 points per game if you're defence is not up to standard.
"If we can keep Dandenong to below 75 points then we know we'll be right in the game."
The winner of Sunday's game will host the grand final on Sunday, March 9.
The semi-final starts at 1pm.