It's preliminary final week for Airport Toyota Premier Division with Aberfeldie facing Hillside.
Aberfeldie and Hillside have been premiership contenders for much of the season, but with just one spot left in next week's grand final against Oak Park, it now comes down to who can step up when it matters the most at Merrifield Recreation Reserve.
Last week, Aberfeldie was sent to the prelim following a 16-point loss against Oak Park in the qualifying final.
Although the side trailed their opponents in the opener, they soon turned things around to show signs of a comeback. But it had come too late as Oak Park managed to get the win in the gritty contest.
Hillside continued their dominant campaign to defeat Essendon Doutta Stars in the elimination final by 99 points.
Right from the opening bounce, the Sharks were switched on and cruised to victory, keeping their premiership aspirations well and truly alive.
Aberfeldie has been a regular in the August fixture, last meeting the Sharks in last year's preliminary final where they defeated the Sharks by 36 points at Lakeside Reserve.
It was a straight sets exit for Hillside in the 2024 campaign, but it will no doubt be much better for the experience this time around.
The preliminary final will mark the fourth time the two have met this season. Aberfeldie currently has a winning record against the Sharks of 2-1 after victories in Rounds 8 and 14.
But the Sharks will be eager to reverse that trend with a maiden Premier Division grand final spot on the line.
Each encounter saw the rivalry only intensify. The upcoming preliminary final is not just about pride, but also progression to the biggest game on the fixture.
Both sides will need to dig deep if they want to be there on the big stage.
Moana Hope is undoubtedly one to watch for the two blues. The Aberfeldie star has been the side's go-to goal sharpshooter all season, and has shown out the last two meetings against the Sharks with five majors in each game
Co-coach Emily Smith has been a standout all season, but finals is where she shines.
Similarly to her performance in last year's finals campaign, once again in 2025, she's shown to be a crucial part of her side's gameplan.
Named as a best player among her side last week, Smith will be another to watch against the Sharks.
For Hillside, Caitlin Sargent looms dangerously this week.
She is a presence inside forward 50, backed by a dominant showing of eight goals in the elimination final last week, Sargent's ability to turn a game quickly will be something to keep an eye on.
Elsewhere, Annalise Wilkie has been a steady influence for Hillside in 2025, her consistency and reliability could be a major asset for her side this weekend.
A ticket to the grand final is the prize that both side's eyes will be on.
For Aberfeldie, it will mean another chance at premiership success, while for Hillside, it will be an opportunity to make history following the tough ending to their premiership aspirations last year.
This game has all the markings of a thriller. Expect ferocity, tight contests around the ball, and a final quarter that could see the result decided in.
