When North Ballarat finished the home-and-away season fourth, Annie McCartin probably didn’t picture her side playing for a Grand Final spot in week two of finals.

But with Lake Wendouree knocking off third-placed Redan in week one, that’s exactly where the Roosters now find themselves.

The season’s earlier meetings don’t give stat-heads much confidence that North can topple the reigning premiers — but with a double chance, anything’s possible.

Sunbury will line up much the same as they did in their qualifying final.

The midcourt battle between Tayla Honey and North’s Brydi Hutchinson will be one to watch.

Both are athletic and sharp at reading play, so expect plenty of contests and turnovers through the middle.

North Ballarat’s line-up, meanwhile, could have a few unknowns.

Georgia Bodey earned the starting GA bib while Poppy Douglas was overseas late in the season, and her speed plus long-range shooting gave the Roosters a different look in attack.

Down back, Maggie Smith (GK) and Emma Trigg (GD) combined strongly in their first final, with support through wing defence.

Against Sunbury’s Simona Di Fillipo, McCartin may look to rotate Milly Simpson, Alana Bodey or Hutchinson through that role to keep things tight.

For Sunbury, Sarah Croft looms large.

North will need to be smart with their ball movement — fakes and borks galore — to counter her ability to not only play tight one-on-one, but also peel off and cut off space.

Stacey Matthews’ nous could be key here, using her body positioning to protect the ball and draw contact.

It’s a huge task for North Ballarat, but that’s the beauty of a second chance — the chance to test combinations on the big stage.

For Sunbury, the job is simpler: stay disciplined, stick to their brand, and keep doing what’s worked all season.

Tip: Sunbury

Having already sent a strong message to the competition, Courtney McLean’s Lake Wendouree crew are perfectly placed to send another this weekend — by giving Darley a one-way ticket out of the finals race.

And judging by the Lakers’ recent form against the remaining three sides, it’s definitely a chance.

The two teams drew earlier in the season, but both are very different outfits since that meeting.

For the Devils, Montanna Holmes and Emily Fitzgerald featured, while Lucy Taylor didn’t.

For the Lakers, Mel Allen was sidelined with a calf injury, replaced by U17s and current Maryborough Giants shooter Lacey Broad.

Elonie Hooper returned, while Sadie Cheeseman and Bella Clark were notable outs.

So, with neither side yet seen at “full strength”, what can we expect from Shannon Blackman’s Devils and McLean’s Lakers?

For Darley, the main threat is Liv Cawthray (GS), who will no doubt face plenty of attention from Kate Drew (GK) and Remi Hooper (GD). That means Mon Nagle and Ailish McCormack will need to step up as scoring options through goal attack.

For the Lakers, feeding from the circle will be crucial.

Sadie Cheeseman (C) will look to work with Kara Hart, Bella Clark and Eliza Williams to keep supply flowing.

But if last week was anything to go by, Darley defenders Matilda Elliott (GK) and Anna Lawley (GD) won’t give an inch — no high ball is safe, and space is rarely what it looks like.

Expect Mel Allen to slot into the goal ring at some stage, bringing her experience to steady the Lakers’ young attack.

With both teams stacked with defenders who can generate plenty of turnover, making shots count will be the difference.

Lake Wendouree will want to replicate their commanding start from last week’s final. If the Devils can hold them early, apply pressure, and convert, they’ll give themselves every chance to control the game.

The Lakers have shown they’ve got options galore to throw at the match — the question is, do Darley have the answers?

Tip: Darley