While Damian Weeks' progression to the Central ABL Grand Final may have been less anticipated than John Gillies, both berths are most definitely deserved.

Over the last 25 years, Weeks has spent thousands of hours working this state's elite juniors . His personal achievements include an appearance at an Australian junior camp, and a gold medal as coach of an Australian junior team at the Youth Olympics. Last week, he was anointed 2007 Central ABL Coach of the Year.

John Gillies has also spent many years working with the state's best. Gillies coached four SA Country state teams in the late 1990s before moving to Adelaide, and in 2002 won a silver medal as coach of the SA Metro Under 18 Girls team. He is about to enter his fourth season as assistant coach of the Adelaide Lightning.

Both coaches have only recently taken on higher profile positions with Central ABL teams. Their real impact has been the knowledge they have imparted on hundreds of players in club, SASI and State programs, many of whom play in the Central ABL today.

While the tactical battle will be of interest to coaches, the on-court battle should entertain everyone. Nicole Romeo was the star of Norwood's Cinderalla victory against Sturt, and should have a great tussle with either Jess Mahony, whose lightning quick hands could be a good foil for Romeo's slick ball skills, or Lisa Coleman, who might have the best chance of containing Romeo's penetration.

Emily Fryters has been a perfect fit for the Flames as the only centre in a team of guards. Not a focus of Norwood's offence, Fryters is invaluable as one of the leagues best rebounders and post defenders. She has had to keep starting and backup bigs off the boards all season and will have to repeat the performance against Sam Woosnam and Kate Jenner for Norwood to have a chance.

Off the bench, the Flames can thank Jess Smart for choosing last week's preliminary final as the perfect setting for her best game of the season. For the Bearcats, Laura Breeding has had two 20 point games this year, and demolished Sturt with five three pointers.

Norwood's up-the-court defence and "penetrate-and-pitch" offence is exciting to watch, while West have the experience and class to beat anyone on their day. Expect a fast paced game, with an edge to the team that that can contain the dribble.