The war of words between Mainland Tactix and Central Pulse captains has begun before their highly anticipated ANZ Premiership on Sunday.
On Saturday, both sides flew to south Invercargill for the decider, taking some heated words with them.
When the Tactix toppled the Pulse in the last match of the ANZ Premiership's regular season, they clearly gained confidence.
Tactix captain Jane Watson declares the Pulse is far from the same team that won 12 months ago, saying: "They're not a team that is where they were.
"People are getting closer to them, and I think they've worked out ways and strategies to combat them," Watson adds.
That theory follows two losses in the Pulse's last three games - before that, they were unbeaten through 10 games - but is that enough to make the defending champions outsiders against the Tactix?
"It's awesome that the Tactix are thinking like that," says Pulse skipper Katrina Rore. "By the sounds of it, underdogs now... we'll take that.
"I think the TAB is the only one that has us as favourites."
Pulse shooter Ameliaranne Ekenasio believes everyone wants the Tactix to win, due to their sudden surge up the rankings.
"I think everyone likes to have a bit of chat around finals," she says. "Everybody is going to back Tactix, because they've never made a final before."
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 Level 2 gathering restrictions, that backing won't be as vocal as they'd hoped, but there will still be plenty of noise courtside.
"We've got a pretty loud bench, so I think they'll be absolutely fine," says Watson.
For now, both teams seem to have no issue making plenty of noise off the court.
Join us at 6:45pm for live updates of the ANZ Premiership final between the Central Pulse and Mainland Tactix
