The 2022 Mount Gambier Netball Association grand final is here and there will be a familiar feel to the Olympic Park courts this Saturday as Hobitz and Intruders face off once again.

Last year the rivals performed in the big dance and it was the red and blue who prevailed by 10 goals in a tight contest.

Despite Hobitz fighting its way back to the grand final, coach Kym Stewart said there is no pressure on her girls to defend the crown with the team simply happy to make it this far.

“The grand final was not our aim this year because we had lost three of our premiership players from last year, so we knew it was going to be a building year,” she said.

“We had no expectations and just wanted to see how we went.

“Finals was never at the forefront of our minds, it was all about focusing on improvement as a team.

“I think we have enjoyed this year more because there was no pressure.”

After making some changes over the preseason, Stewart admitted it took some time for the team to gel.

The side lost the grand final rematch by 40 goals in round 1, but bounced back well being consistent performers against the other three sides to lock in second position on the ladder.

Stewart now feels the team is coming together at the right time highlighted by a strong performance in the preliminary final where Hobitz knocked off Saints by 16 goals.

“It has clicked at the right time. It took probably three quarters of the season for us to find a working combination within the team,” she said.

“There is a lot of flexibility across the team with players who can play different positions so it was a matter of trying to find a consistent line up and it took a lot longer than I thought it would.

“But it is all clicking at the right time of the season.”

Stewart is still in charge of the centre court and will direct traffic, while the likes of Ella Cruise, Maddy Cowland and Jordi Gower front the attacking side of things.

Stewart highlighted the rise of Cowland, a young junior who has overcome some injury issues and transitioned from the midcourt to being a productive goal attack.

Given the task of trying to stop the Intruders shooters will be defenders Dani Russell, Suzanne Crowe and Lisa Rainey.

Looking ahead to the big game, Stewart is realistic about her side’s chances conceding Intruders are the clear favourites having won every head to head this year.

Whatever happens this Saturday, Stewart said her team can be very proud of its efforts and a back-to-back triumph against a fully-firing Intruders outfit will be a bonus.

“We will definitely be the underdogs,” she said.

“Intruders have set the benchmark this year and will be very hard to beat, but we will just do what we need to do as a group.

“I do not want the girls to go out there feeling all this pressure because to be one of the last teams standing is a huge achievement.”