In round 11, the Hoppers overcame the Hawks by one measly goal.

They made it two from two in the semi-final a fortnight ago, again prevailing by just one goal.

The Hoppers are hoping for a hat-trick come Saturday afternoon – for the Hawks, they're hoping it's third time lucky.

Either way, there's one thing both sides can agree on – that both teams deserve to be there on that one day in September.

This year's final is building a huge amount of hype, with a number of former Ovens and Murray stars lining up alongside some emerging talent on both teams, leading to one of the most evenly matched deciders in recent memory.

“We've had two really tough contests this season,” Tallangatta coach Anna Avery said.

“Both games, a goal in it – nobody would be going in thinking it'll be a walk in the park.

“The game two weeks ago was definitely the most intense game I've playing in this season, probably for a few seasons actually.

“I think it'll be a high level contest and we'll expect both teams to be going hard at it.”

Kiewa coach Kath Evans was of a similar opinion, saying the two best teams had made it through to the final.

“They play quick, stylish, really positive netball – they make you earn every goal you get,” she said of the Hoppers.

“It's a good standard to play against – our style is similar to a degree, hence the close matches.

“Both teams match up very well.”