The final minutes of last weekend's match between Inspire Panthers and Fusion Heat could have a huge impact on this year's Rawson Homes Premiership A Grade title.
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The Panthers were able to hold off Heat and score a thrilling 38-37 win, resulting in the young side moving into second spot on the ladder and gaining a real shot of confidence ahead of this weekend's semi-finals.
But for Heat their hopes of a fourth straight premiership win were dealt a huge blow as captain and key mid-court player Tash Robinson suffered a serious knee injury in the final moments.
Robinson will miss this weekend's finals rematch with the Panthers as well as the grand final, should her side advance.
Heat have been one of the dominant sporting sides in Dubbo in recent times, but this year new challengers have emerged.
Fusion Fire finished as minor premiers, bringing the curtain down on their regular season with a 56-31 win over St Comebacks.
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The Inspire club missed out on a place in last year's finals but Sharon Andrews, who was part of the side then and again now, said a bit of extra experience has made a real difference.
The lockdown earlier this year has meant this season is far shorter than in previous years but the Panthers have shown their development this year by winning six of seven regular season games.
Andrews is all too aware it's a different ball game at finals time but feels there's no reason her side can't go all the way.
"We're definitely in a better state and frame of mind than last year," she said.
"There's the bit of experience in the returning players and we're meshing so why not?
"We've got as good a chance as everyone else."
Zachiah Riley and Jordi Petty are two of the younger players who have taken another step this season and become key figures for the Panthers.
"They've all been pretty great," Andrews said of her side.
"It's been such a short season, it's been hard to get into the swing of things quickly but everyone has had a good season and I'm happy with where we are."
In the other games on Saturday, Narromine secured fourth spot and a semi-finals date with Fusion Fire by beating the Dubbo Rhinos Rebels 67-32.
The Macquarie Hornets, who were a chance of finishing in fourth heading into the final round, finished their regular season on a high by defeating St Diamonds 66-22.
The finals are also shorter this season and it's winners takes all in the one-v-four and two-v-three matches.
"You only get one shot so while it was nice to get the win it doesn't mean much any more because you've got to perform on the day," Andrews said of the next meeting with Heat.
"The younger ones definitely enjoyed the win but we've got to do it again next weekend."
Fusion Fire plays Narromine from 1pm on Saturday while Panthers and Heat meet at 3.15pm.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
