The Northern Hawks fall into the latter category this season after they were beaten by cross-town rivals the Cavaliers in the Tasmanian Netball League grand final 62 to 57.

Read: Cavaliers victorious in TNL grand final

Their path to the Tasmanian netball's showpiece event has not been as smooth sailing as a glance at the ladder would suggest.

Tormented by injuries, dealing with the fluctuating circumstances of life during a global pandemic have all been hurdles the Hawks have dealt with this season.

"We've been through a lot this year, losing a captain, medical fits, being tormented by injuries, the internal and external pressures of life in general," Hawks captain Gemma Poke said post-game.

"To be here is a true testament ... for being fantastic netballers but phenomenal people and we'll be bonded for life by this shared experience."

After a season that threw everything at the Hawks, including an enthralling grand final which went down to the wire, Poke offered some perspective on why the journey rather than the destination matters.

"I feel so privileged to play this game I love with my best friends," she said.

"Soak it up, life is short and these are the moments we'll remember when we're wrinkly and telling people about the good old days."

Read: Launceston shine in NTFAW grand final

The Hawks and Cavaliers are familiar foes, having lined up opposed to each other in the on three previous occasions this season.

Often at times this season, as it has been in previous years, the two have looked impervious to any opposition except each other.

"These derbies never get any easier, it was such a good feeling in that last quarter, in all honesty, games like this are why you play," Poke said.

"This is a fantastic representation of netball in the North."

There is little question that the Hawks could be primed to contend next season. If not only due to their record over the past three years, there is also the likely return of star Hawk Danni Pickett to the staring side.

The Hawks season was thrown a curveball when Pickett ruptured her achilles against the Cavaliers earlier this season.

The injury occurred after an innocuous centre-pass, the loss of Pickett was felt heavily by the Hawks given her presence and leadership on the court.

"Sport can be cruel but the resilience and selflessness you've shown throughout this has been admirable and the Northern Hawks are so proud to have [Pickett] as their club captain," Poke said.

After undergoing surgery early in the season, Pickett shapes as a key inclusion for the grand finalists as they aim to reclaim their premiers title.

"I pity the person that has to play on you after this rehab because you're going to be unstoppable," Poke said.

Sport and defeat can be cruel, these moments, in front of an obliging crowd that rode every pass and cheered every goal, are why the Hawks will be driven to rise again.

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.