And then there were two. A long hard season all comes down to one game between the two most successful clubs in WSBL history. Since 2001, eight of the nine championships have been won by Hawks or Tigers. On Friday night Willetton will be trying to level the overall score at six each; we will be doing all we can to remain the most successful club.

This has been one of the toughest WSBL seasons ever and whoever wins tonight will be worthy champions. Clubs have worked harder than ever to build strong player rosters and the emergence of teams like Wolves and Eagles as genuine contenders has been tremendous for the sport. Neither of tonight’s combatants have had an easy run to the final. Both have had to win semi final series which went to game three and both have faced the real prospect of going out at some point in those semis. So tonight should be a classic encounter between two evenly matched teams. Two of the best point guards going around will face off. Both TK and Malpass have performed at National League level, as have Mel Marsh and Tegan Walker who will lock horns at some stage. Inside we have the pace of Boyanich and Jones against the physical presence of Lobb and Harper and the in form Hooper will be looking to outscore the equally hot Lyndal Gardner. So often these games are determined by what the bench can contribute and we will be looking to our stellar group of Belinda Campbell, Belinda O’Halloran and Kelly Ellis to give us the edge over the dangerous Tigers’ bench in Feast, Stear and Morgan.

We all hope Friday night’s game is a great advertisement for women’s basketball and that it is a tough game played in the very best spirit. May the best team win - Hopefully that will be Hawks!

Assistant Coach, Ian Wardrope