Matrics and Contax set to face off in tonight's state league netball grand final

THE past two state league netball premiers will go head-to-head in tonight's grand final when Matrics takes on Contax at Netball SA Stadium.

THE past two state league netball premiers will go head-to-head in tonight's grand final when Matrics takes on Contax at Netball SA Stadium.

Matrics, this season's minor premier, won through to the decider with a 60-40 win over Garville in Saturday's preliminary final.

The 20-goal victory ended Garville's fairytale run from last season's wooden-spooner to 2013 finalists.

Matrics coach Scott Waddington said the win was a pleasing response from his side after it lost 37-43 to Contax in the previous week's semi-final.

"To finish minor premiers and lose the first final (meant) we were looking to bounce back and make a bit of a statement heading into the grand final," he said.

"We were really disappointed with our semi-final loss, but I believe (Saturday's win) has restored a little bit of confidence."

Goal attack Laura Packard was best on court for Matrics' in the comprehensive victory.

Waddington hoped his team's attacking flair would overcome Contax's miserly defence.

"Contax have the best defence in the competition - they've let in the least amount of goals," he said.

"We're the opposite - we've scored the most out of anyone.

"I see it as a battle of who can win with their strengths and we'll be looking to try and attack as much as we possibly can and get through their defence line."

The side will have extra motivation for the grand final, with club stalwart Sarah Kennedy this week announcing the game will be her last.

"We're certainly hoping to send her out on a high," Waddington said.

"She's played well over 200 league games and is a premiership player."

Contax coach Leanne Eichler, who watched Saturday's game with her players, said she was impressed with Matrics' performance.

"I thought Matrics played very well," Eichler said.

"They looked like a complete outfit and it was what we were expecting from them."

Eichler said getting out of the blocks quickly would be important in her side's bid to claim back-to-back flags.

A fast start in the semi-final helped Contax to its six-goal win over Matrics last month.

"We got on top of them 18-9 in the semi and then after that it was an even contest," she said.

"We're not expecting it's going to be that start again (but) we'd love it to be.

"We know it's going to be a very tough contest because they've got so much experience and very good personnel in their side."

Eichler said her players needed to trust their defence to restrict Matrics and capitalise on their chances in attack.

"Everyone's fit and firing and ready to go," she said.

The final is at Netball SA Stadium, Railway Tce, Mile End, tonight at 8.45pm.