THREE weeks after their epic showdown decided which team secured the double chance, Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk will meet again with an even bigger prize on the line.
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The Roos and Hawks' clash at the QEO on Saturday will determine a grand final challenger for reigning premiers Sandhurst.
A tantalising preliminary final encounter was set up last weekend, after the Roos lost to the Dragons in Saturday night's second semi-final by 14-goals, and Eaglehawk dug deep to eliminate Gisborne with a stirring 47-46 win.
Virtually nothing has separated the Roos and Hawks all season, with the rivals playing out a 49-49 draw midway through the season, and Kangaroo Flat edging past Eaglehawk to score a two-goal victory in round 18.
Those close margins and the momentum gathered in back-to-back finals wins over South Bendigo and Gisborne has filled joint coaches Mali Roberts and Allira Holmes and their players with plenty of confidence for another crack at the Roos.
"We'll need another strong start like we produced against Gisborne and make sure we put some runs on the board early," Holmes said.
"And unlike our Gisborne game, we'll need to put our foot down and make sure we capitalise on all our turnovers and maintain possession.
"We fought back from about six-goals down and got in front in the match (against Kangaroo Flat) a few weeks ago, but just couldn't hang on.
"It wasn't our best game unfortunately and not a reflection of our match overall, but since then we feel we've put in things at training and worked on certain aspects of our game to overcome the issues we hit last time."
The Hawks are aiming for their first grand final appearance since their 2012 premiership year.
Roos coach Jayden Cowling believes his side has identified where they went wrong last week and more importantly is confident they can bounce back.
"We had too many turnovers, so we are definitely looking forward to rebounding from that performance," he said.
"We want to be there grand final day and we think we've shown we are worthy of that opportunity.
"I think both sides would be thinking they're worthy of that chance. Eaglehawk has had a great year as well. Nothing against them, they will push us as hard as they can, but we will be doing the same."
Both sides will, unfortunately, be missing players, after Kate Burton (Kangaroo Flat) went down in the first week of finals, and Bridget Murray (Eaglehawk) succumbed to an Achilles injury last week.
Cowling rated the Hawks' midcourt as an obvious strength and key to his opposition's chances.
"Ash Ryan is a massively key player in that attack end," he said.
"Even though they have lost Bridget, they do have flexibility, which we saw last week against Gisborne.
"As much as Bridget will be missed, I think they will step up and Ash will take on that extra leadership throughout the court."
Kangaroo Flat is chasing its first grand final berth since 2016.
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