The Hawks took on the Tigers in front of a home crowd at Tatyoon, with the winner to progress to the grand final in two weeks time.

A close contest was expected, with neither side able to win by more than four goals in their last five appearances against each other.

It was the Hawks who made the stronger start on Saturday, flying out to lead 18-8 at the first break.

“We jumped out of the blocks really quickly,” Tatyoon A Grade coach Lisa Antonio said.

“When that happens you get a bit of confidence and everyone lifts.”

Tatyoon continued its domination and had one foot in the grand final by half-time, leading by 17 goals at the main break.

“Our first half was the best half of netball we have had this year without a shadow of a doubt,” Antonio said.

“We got a few early breaks and from that our confidence just skyrocketed and it showed in the way we were playing.”

The Tigers won the third term and reduced the deficit to 13 but could not stop a rampant Tatyoon side for long. The Hawks piled on 19 goals in the final quarter to record a 65-44 win and progress to the grand final for the second year in a row.

“It is great to be feeling confident knowing we have beaten every team in the comp,” Antonio said.

“We are under no illusions the work isn’t done yet though. There are still another 60 minutes of netball we need to perform in.

“It means little winning on Saturday if we don’t back it up in two weeks time.”

Conditions were kind to the Hawks, with a dry court proving to be a great advantage.

“The dry conditions suit us. One of our strengths is we are a really fit, athletic side that works best with conditions conducive to using those attributes.”

The Hawks had nearly 90 shots at goal in the contest, dominating possession throughout the game.

Antonio said it was hard to pick just one or two players who stood out, with the whole team performing when it counted.

“They all played their role,” she said.

“We spoke before the game that individuals don’t have to play their best game ever, they just need to play their role and do what they have to do for the team.

“They all worked exceedingly hard.”

The Hawks will face the winner of Woorndoo-Mortlake and Moyston-Willaura in the grand final at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval in two weeks time. 

Antonio said the loss in last year’s grand final is a big motivator for her side.

“A lot of the girls are chasing that elusive premiership and now we are in a position where we can take it,” she said.

“We will do all that we can to be ready for whoever we come up against.”