Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes coach Marie Campbell says she never regretted pulling the pin on playing after guiding the Goannas to the Riverina League grand final.
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With talented shooter Katie Caller coming on board from Collingullie-Glenfield Park, Campbell opted to devote all her energy to coaching and the decision has paid off.
The Goannas jumped out of the blocks early in Saturday's 63-46 major semi final win over the Demons to become the first team through to the decider.
They will take on the winner of next week's Collingullie-Glenfield Park-Coolamon preliminary final after the Hoppers ended Wagga Tigers' quest for a fourth straight title with a one-goal win in Sunday's elimination clash.
"I qualified (to play) this year but because Katie was such a late addition to our team I thought having ten on the list wasn't ideal," Campbell said.
"Half our team's 16 or under almost, so it (not playing) enables me to do the coaching job quite thoroughly and to see more from the sidelines.
"It's been a crucial season for the A-grade rookies in particular to get them on the right track and hone in on those basics early.
"I'm fairly at peace with my decision, I've been playing for a while and I enjoy the analytical and tactical side of coaching, and wearing both hats which can compromise both roles."
Goannas star shooters Caller and Sophie Fawns dominated Saturday's match, helping their team build a ten-goal quarter time lead against the minor premiers.
The Demons hit back in the second quarter get within six goals but the Goannas had too much strikepower.
Collingullie-Glenfield now has to try and qualify for the decider the hard way against a Hoppers side looking for a first premiership since 2001.
The Goannas have now beaten the Demons twice in the last three weeks but Campbell knows the job isn't finished.
"Definitely (we've got) belief but not with the expectation it's just going to happen," she said.
"It was quite interesting that after the game there was no big celebrations, they're taking nothing for granted and that's how we'll approach the grand final, no matter who we play.
"Considering all our combinations are brand new this year it's a reflection of how our attack in particular is going.
"We're maximising opportunities for our shooters, making those conversions and putting on some pressure."
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