Both teams have earned a double chance courtesy of their top-two finish and the Hawks will be out hunting in defence early in the match to intercept and tip the ball at every opportunity to get themselves off to a strong start.

Their defensive play has been a determining factor in their success so far this year and their defence will need to be on song to combat the skills of Arrows 189-centimetre shooter Sophie Gunn and partner Kate Costelloe.

Hawks coach Steffi Grenda has been in good form in the lead up to finals and alongside Zoe Gough they create a resilient and steadfast defensive duo. But it will take all four players in Hawks defence unit to stop Gunn from firing, with Adriana Gough and Jacky Bennett playing an important role in pressuring the feed into the goal circle from the mid-court.

‘‘We are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead,’’ Grenda said.

‘‘We have done the hard work and now we need to show that on the court. Going straight into the grand final would be ideal for both sides and I think we could definitely do with the week off to prepare.

‘‘This is history making stuff for our club and we are excited to see if we can go all the way.’’

CAVALIERS play last year’s premier Cripps Waratah in the elimination semi-final hoping to continue the ascendancy they have maintained all season over their southern rival having won their previous three encounters by an average of 15 goals .

‘‘We are quietly confident based on our record this season but Cripps are one of those clubs that we have had a long-standing rivalry with and we know that they are definitely not going to lie down,’’ Cavaliers co-coach Lynda Colgrave said.

‘‘Last week’s performances were brilliant give that we were a little bit depleted with our numbers.

‘‘All the players who took to the court including one under-19 player really pulled together and they were really good results for us and gave us confidence for this week.’’

Cavaliers still have injury worries over playing coach Dannie Carstens (ankle), Cath Van Keulen (back) and Kate Gibson (knee) and were awaiting final medical assessments as to whether they will be fit to play.

‘‘They certainly haven’t been ruled out yet and we are quietly confident but they haven’t been given clearance either,’’ Colgrave said.

STATE NETBALL LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS

SATURDAY, at the Silverdome.

Opens first semi-final: 3.15pm Cavaliers v Cripps Waratah.

Opens second semi-final: 6.45pm Arrows v Northern Hawks.

19 and under second semi-final: 1.30pm Cripps Waratah v Cavaliers.

19 and under first semi-final: 5pm Northern Hawks v Glendon Kingston Blues.