Souths coach Trude Yen believes composure will be key when the Lions meet Nova Queens Wharf Thunder in the Newcastle open championship minor semi-final on Saturday.
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While Souths have been a permanent fixture in finals during recent seasons, it is Nova's first appearance since 2016.
The two sides have met twice this year for one win each with the Lions winning 50-36 in round six then Nova turning the tables with a 46-41 victory two weeks ago. Souths finished the season proper third with 37 points and Thunder fourth on 35.
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Souths head into the elimination match after a come-from-behind two-goal win over second-placed Forsythes Business Advisors (41) while Nova were well beaten 41-18 by minor premiers West Leagues Balance (41).
"For us, it going to be about being able to keep our heads all of the way through the game," Yen said.
"It was one of the things we managed to do last week. Keep our heads and keep our heads up no matter where we are. Whether we're in front or behind, just keep on forging forward and never let a minute go. That's where it will be won for us.
"They play very well together and they seem to be peaking at the right time."
Nova player-coach Katie Robinson described their 23-goal loss to the back-to-back champions last weekend as a "little hiccup" but otherwise felt "momentum into the finals has been pretty good".
"If our shooters can turn on what talent they've got we're in with a good chance," Robinson said.
"Sometimes our feeding into the circle can give them confidence and, when they're on, our whole team is on, so giving them easy access into the circle will be important.
"And our defence ends need to keep hassling. Their goal attack last week Katelyn [Stansfield] was on fire. She's definitely a target for us this time to try to see if we can spread the shooting load between the two of them, rather than just letting her take the lead on everything."
The game will be played at National Park Netball Courts at 2.30pm with the winner booking passage to the preliminary final on August 31.
In the penultimate round of Super Netball, Collingwood play the Swifts on Saturday. On Sunday, Sam Poolman's Giants take on the Thunderbirds, the Vixens meet Lightning and Fever are at home to the Firebirds.