Northern Mystics have fired a few friendly warning shots in the direction of crosstown rivals Northern Stars, as the build-up to the ANZ Premiership final begins to heat up.
On Sunday, the two Auckland teams will go head to head for the title, after the Stars toppled champions Central Pulse in the elimination final, setting up a decider with bragging rights on the line, as well as the trophy.
Touching down back in Auckland - and in some style - the Stars have a spring in their step, knowing they're one win away from an elusive first title.
"Last night, obviously, you saw our reaction at the end of the game," said coach Kiri Wills. "Relief, but also excitement."
It doesn't get any closer, the Stars punching their Grand Final ticket by edging the Pulse with the last shot of the game.
Another netball giant now stands between them and the trophy.
"There's just no way we ever want to lose to the Stars in the final," Mystics shooter Grace Nweke told Newshub. "We just wouldn't let that happen, so maybe we're hungrier now that it's Stars."
The Mystics kept a very close eye on the elimination thriller, with their coaches making the trip to watch it live at Porirua. They know how hungry the Stars are to claim the title.
"They're on a roll, they've been winning on the trot and they're in form at the moment," said Nweke. "I feel it will be a really tough match and they've got momentum on their side."
Recent history suggests both will need to be at their best to win. Last month, double overtime was needed to separate them, but veteran midcourt Gina Crampton is urging her Stars team not to overthink how they prepare this time
"Not much will change," she said. "We'll stick to our processes in terms of our training week, but, I mean, get excited.
"Finals netball doesn't happen to everyone, so we really need to relish the moment."
The Stars hope to have another moment to relish later this week.
