The Mandurah Magic has been buzzing with excitement since booking their spot in the Women’s State Basketball League grand final.
The Magic took down Lakeside in front of a raucous home crowd to assure their place in the league’s ultimate match last Saturday night.
But while the home fans cheered and a sense of elation swept the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, coach Randy Miegel encouraged his side to simply enjoy the night before buckling down to focus on the task at hand.
“We told the girls to make sure they soak up the win – it was a special achievement for them to win like that in front of our fans so they should certainly enjoy it,” Miegel said.
“But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We only have six days between a really physical Lakeside game and the grand final.
“I just simply urged the girls to get their rehab in early and prepare for the game.”
That game will be played against the fierce Perry Lakes Hawks.
The two sides have seemed bound on a collision course destined for the grand final all season, with the Hawks finishing first just one spot ahead of the Magic in second.
They have faced off twice throughout the year, with the Hawks coming away as victors on both occasions.
But coach Miegel looked to his side’s last meeting with Perry Lakes, which went down to the wire in a six-point thriller, as a measurement of the grand final.
“I think any way you look at it, the game’s going to be competitive,” he said.
“Last time out was a real battle and there were just a few things in the final minutes that didn’t go our way.
“We might change a few things up as to how we approach it this time, but overall we feel confident in our ability as a team.
“If we put our best foot forward we feel like we can beat anyone.”
While all grand finals are played on the Hawks’ home court at the Bendat Basketball Centre, Miegel was confident the Magic’s fan base would hit the road to cheer on the team.
“We had a good amount of support with us at Lakeside so I’m pretty sure the Magic army will be out in full force,” he said.
“That’s sort of a reward for the girls. They’ve come this far and now they get to enjoy the atmosphere of playing in a grand final.”
The game tips off at the Bendat Basketball Centre this Friday night, 7.30pm.
The grand final is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.au by searching SBL.