A double chance in finals is like a fire extinguisher - you hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad it’s there if you need it.

This weekend is the fire extinguisher of Milawa’s A grade season, who were kept alive in the finals after their qualifying final loss to Whorouly last Saturday.

Just their second defeat of 2025, the Demons were outworked in the second half, eventually going down 39-48.

But they live on, virtue of a top two finish to the home and away season, and will come up against Bonnie Doon on Saturday at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve for the last remaining ticket to the grand final.

Milawa coach Kerrie Gray said the loss was a reminder of the quality of netball on display at this end of the season.

“We had a good start, but I think at the end of the day the Whorouly girls just wanted it more than us,” she said.

“They were first to loose balls, held momentum and converted on their opportunities.

“It’s a credit to how they played the game for four quarters.

“We just really need to focus on us and concentrate on playing our own game, which we have been doing so well all year.

“Everyone is excited and grateful to have a second chance.

“It's a great group of girls who I know will give 110 per cent on Saturday for each other.”

On paper, Milawa are favourites to brush aside the Bombers, having handled them by 11 and 30 goals in the regular season.

However, this Bonnie Doon team are reigning premiers, and they know how to win when it matters most.

Forced to take the long road to the big dance, the Bombers are built for finals, and will be brimming with confidence after dispatching Tarrawingee by 18 goals just last weekend.

“Bonnie Doon will be tough, they have been building these last few weeks, and I don’t believe when you hit finals that you can read too much into what the results have been,” Gray said.

“They have plenty of strength and experience across the court and if both teams play good netball, it will be anyone’s game.

“Amy [Starzer, Bonnie Doon goal shooter] is a really experienced player and provides so much direction and composure for her attackers which is complimented by the speed of their midcourt.

“It’s a tough one, everyone just has to be accountable to their player and play their role.

“We have plenty of experience in Tahlia Matthews-Vincent and Mic Larkings in defence who can be a real headache for the opposition attackers if they are up and about.”

Milawa take on Bonnie Doon on Saturday at North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve from 2.30pm, with the winner to face Whorouly in next week’s grand final.

Other match ups will see Milawa play Whorouly (B grade, 1.10pm), Bright tackle Benalla All Blacks (B reserve, 11.50am), Greta go up against Moyhu (C grade, 10.30am), and Benalla All Blacks take on Bright (15 and under, 9.10am).