The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic face a third successive sudden-death clash – but by far its toughest – in Sunday's ANZ Championship netball preliminary final against NSW Swifts.
Playing every game as if were its last has worked a treat for Magic in its recent must-win outings. Adding some polish to its talent, the Magic have gained momentum in a late season surge to book its place in the top three but face a daunting challenge to get over the next hurdle.
The finalists of the inaugural 2008 competition come into this match on the back of contrasting form.
The Magic continued its improved form with a comfortable win over Southern Steel while the seemingly untouchable Swifts had their record 13-game unbeaten streak shattered. The minor premiers imploded against the well-drilled Adelaide Thunderbirds, slumping to a 14-goal loss and their worst outing of the season.
It is unlikely Swifts could conjure up a second similar performance and will be looking to rebound in front of a full house in Newcastle.
At stake is a place in the following week's grand final against Thunderbirds.
While recovery time and travel were cause for some concern, Magic coach Noeline Taurua said it was now a situation of having no regrets.
England import Jade Clarke's first experience in the trans-Tasman competition coincided with Magic's 17-goal flogging when the two teams met four weeks ago but a lot has happened since then.
"Like all losses, we learnt a lot from our last encounter against them and what we need to do better. Also, what happens in playoffs is usually totally different from what's gone before," Taurua said.
"Playoffs bring a different mentality, you've got to put everything out on court and not be left with any what ifs.
"That's all we can ask of ourselves - enjoy the moment of being in finals contention and leave everything we've got out on that court."
In the weeks since the recruitment of Clarke, the Magic's defence line has gone from strength to strength and the rapport between the back three has continued to impress.
It's been a hectic schedule for Clarke, who in between Magic trainings has gone back and forth across the Tasman to join her England team-mates in camp in Australia.
"She's perfect, just so easy to work with," Taurua said off the gritty wing defence.
"She's a hard worker, hard trainer, she doesn't say much….and you forget that she is there sometimes but she has been great for us."
The only crack in the defensive façade is an ongoing calf injury carried by Jodi Tod. The under-rated Tod has been in stellar form recently despite a lack of mobility and the prospect of the calf muscle blowing out completely at any time.
Swifts captain Catherine Cox has also been in the wars after being forced from the court with a fractured nose and badly bruised thigh against the Thunderbirds but will take her place against Magic.