MOUNT Pleasant coach Belinda Pinner has declared her side will be determined to avenge their earlier season loss to Huntly, when the pair clash in the final round of HDFNL netball on Saturday.
"We didn't feel like we did ourselves justice last time," said the third-year Blues coach in reference to their four goal loss in round nine.
The Hawks have had the edge over the Blues in regular season matches over the past three seasons, but with more than a few of their encounters decided by three or less goals.
But Mount Pleasant has struck when it's counted most, with finals wins against Huntly in both 2017 and '18 on the way to a pair of preliminary finals.
An intriguing end to the season finds three teams vying for the one remaining double chance, with fourth-placed Elmore the sole team with its fate entirely in its own hands.
The Blues' top-three hopes hinge on a win over Huntly and an unlikely Elmore loss to Heathcote, while the Hawks also require a win and a Bloods loss.
Elmore needs only a bigger win over eighth-placed Heathcote, which it managed by 28 goals in round nine, than any potential Hawks win to advance to third.
"I'm assuming, but it looks like we will play Huntly two weeks in a row, but we will be absolutely going for the win, we would love a top three spot," Pinner said.
"Heathcote has definitely improved as the season has gone on and was definitely stronger the second time we played them.
"I'm sure it (Heathcote) be a challenge for Elmore and we can keep our fingers and toes crossed that they have a loss and we can snare third position."
Regardless, Pinner retains full faith in her side and has played in enough big games over the journey to know that anything can happen once finals roll around.
The Blues coach saw enough encouraging signs in a loss to Colbinabbin last week to be confident of turning the tables on the Hawks.
"We were really happy with our first half, but had a shocker of a third quarter," she said.
"I know we outscored Colbo in the second quarter, but we do struggle a lot with consistency and playing four solid quarters of football.
"We are continuing to work on that and if it clicks we know we can challenge anyone."
Huntly will be looking to atone for a 49-24 loss to White Hills last week.
Meanwhile, only an upset loss to North Bendigo can prevent Colbinabbin from retaining top spot ahead of finals, while White Hills is destined for second place and will look to round its campaign against Leitchville-Gunbower.
Lockington-Bamawm United has a bye.
A RECAP OF LAST WEEK:
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