Sturt's response to virtually a four week break will determine which team advances to the Central ABL women's Grand Final.

By virtue of finishing first, Sturt sat out the first week of the finals. They also drew a bye in the last minor round, and played their previous game without Angela Marino and coach Marcus Wong. They have been the form team of this year's season, dropping just one game to a surging Norwood in May, and the aforementioned game against South, but it is difficult to judge their form when they haven't played together as a full group since June 30.

West Adelaide recovered from a slow start to the season to produce the form expected of it. Its last few weeks, which included a 7 point win over 8th placed Woodville and a 9 point win against Norwood last week, has been less than convincing, but it is still on a six game winning streak, and only needs one more win to cement a Grand Final position.

Angela Marino has been the star of this year's competition. She has been instrumental in putting results beyond doubt in the first half, so in some cases her stats haven't been an indication of how much she has dominated games. Nevertheless, she has still averaged 21.8 points and 5.6 assists per game, and should have a great battle with former WNBL point guard Jess Mahony.

Lauren King has stepped up when necessary for West. Over the last four games, she is averaging 19.4 points and 8.5 rebounds and her versatility will pose some matchup difficulties for the Sabres.

With Lightning assistant coaches John Gillies and Marcus Wong involved, the off-court battle may be as entertaining as that on court. A well rested Sturt may have the slight edge at home, though West have the ability to explode at any time, and what better time to do it when a Grand Final position is on the line.