Sam Poolman has not forgotten how hard it was to make last year’s Super Netball grand final from third spot, nor the pain of then being well-beaten in the decider.
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Those memories will drive the Newcastle defender and her GWS Giants teammates as this weekend, with destiny in their own hands, they host West Coast Fever in a game which will determine the minor premiership.
Fever sit in first place with 70 points and the Giants are one point behind as they prepare to do battle at the International Convention Centre on Saturday night.
For the Giants it is simple – a win and they not only secure the minor premiership but also a home semi-final and the scenario of going straight through to another decider with a win in the first weekend of finals.
But a loss and they could end up fourth, depending on other results.
Five teams, including Sunshine Coast Lightning (63 points), Queensland Firebirds (62) and Melbourne Vixens (57), are still in the mix for a top-four finish.
“We could go from hosting our semi-final to playing off in third versus fourth to try to get into the grand final the long way,” Poolman said.
“There’s a lot to play for, which is why you play sport and it’s exciting.”
Bonus points have been introduced this season, which means teams get four points for a win, two points for a draw and one bonus point for every quarter won.
The Giants picked up a crucial eight points in their 66-56 win over the Collingwood Magpies last weekend to secure a finals berth.
It came after a 14-goal loss to the Firebirds in round 11 then a two-goal win over the Vixens in round 12.
“For the last three games Julie has been adamant with what we’re playing for,” Poolman said.
“We went into Vixens and that game was crucial because that week she was saying, ‘If you don't win this game you’re not going to make fourth’.
“We were top two but we could’ve lost that game and been out of finals.
“Then going into the [Magpies] game they worked out we needed 11 points from two games, so that not only creates pressure to win games but you have to get points.
“Because we got the eight points last week it’s put us in a good position, so we don’t have to worry about bonus points now. We just need to win the game, which is a nice position to be in.”
The last time the two sides met, in round six on June 2, Fever won 63-61 and Poolman expected another tight tussle but hoped a vocal NSW crowd could get them across the line.
“We weren’t happy with a loss against them last time,” the Giants defender said.
“Now we’re in a position where we want to play for a home final. We want to host and that adds a little bit more to wanting to win and to want to finish in that place.
“You want to play in front of your fans. You want your family there. You want that advantage and everything that goes with it and that’s definitely what we’re playing for. I think it will be a ripper game.”
The Giants’ match against Fever starts at 7pm.