Cool head: “At the end of the day, it’s the grand final but it’s another game that we play. I just have to come in with a level head like the other girls do and trust my teammates. I feel on the weekend, I will need to bring my defensive game to help out the team because for us to win we will need to defend well.”

Team player: “I’m just excited to be a part of it. I know if I am going on for three minutes, you just have to put everything into it for the three minutes and work as hard as you can.”

The challenge: “I think playing against Bendigo I will have a completely different role – it will be more defensive playing against Gabe Richards, who is a bigger player than me. She’s more experienced. I will have a more defensive focus rather than offensive. They’ll target Nicho and Willo, so I guess I will have to step up.”

Leadership: “I am really looking forward to the grand final. As an experienced player in the squad, I have tried to lead from the front and be a good example to our younger players. This will be my last game with the Tornadoes and I want to make it a very special one.”

Role player: “It’s important to come into the game and disrupt their point guard – just do the little things. I’m not going to come out and score heaps of baskets. So it’s just for me to be a role player.”

The stopper: “I really think Derrick wants me to play a defensive role. That’s where my game comes from when I’m playing well in defence, I will play better in offence. I’ll try and lock down.”

Surreal: “I don’t think it will sink in until we actually get over there on Saturday and see the stadium, start warming up that we’re in the grand final.”

Belief: “We have proven we have the talent to win the whole thing, which has been our goal right from the start. In the past couple of years, we’ve been working towards it and maybe we’ve been disappointed to not have won it.”

Comeback: “In 2010, we were runners-up and lost the championship game, so it is a bit bittersweet that I am might be able to go again.”

Optimism: “I wouldn’t say I feel any pressure. I think our whole team is full of confidence right now. I think it’s going to be like any other game for me. I definitely feel like we have gone one better this year. I think we have the team to bring home a championship. Last year, I really enjoyed my time, but this year is even more special.”

Focused: “Always my No.1 goal is getting defensive stops. That’s not going to change. For me, it’s about bringing the energy and keeping the girls together. But I feel like we’re successful regardless.”

Confidence: “I knew we were good, which is the reason why I called Derrick and wanted to come over here, but I didn’t know we were this good. It’s very exciting that we get to go to the championship and the fact we already beat them, I think it’s going to be a toss-up game.”

Final analysis: “I think if we play out our best, we can come out on top. But I feel like we are definitely the underdogs after having the season they did with 20-0 –  but I feel the pressure is definitely on them and everyone will expect them to win. We’re happy to be the underdog.”

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