It’s a rematch a year in the making.
Twelve months ago, it was Mooroopna which walked away with the silverware after downing the Lakers by four wickets on the biggest stage.
On one hand, Nagambie goes in undefeated in 2025-26, a flawless campaign driving a fierce hunger to finish what it couldn’t last season.
On the other, the Cats haven’t forgotten how to win the one that matters the most.
“The girls are very keen and ready to go,” skipper Mia Earl said.
“We’ve done a few extra training sessions, a couple of extra preparations and had a few extra chats which has been really nice.
“Obviously going in as what you’d say as the underdogs given we haven’t beaten them yet, we all know we’re more than capable. (We’re) just really raring and ready to go.”
It’s one thing being confident.
It’s another thing executing it against a flawless Lakers side.
But Mooroopna clearly has the talent to get over the line, with opening pair Ebony Sleeth and Poppy Vandermeer earmarked as crucial tone-setters at the top of the order alongside in form pace bowler Bella Woods.
“I think given we are quite a young but mature side, I’d say our fielding and intensity in the field is where we will really be able to make that big difference,” Earl said.
“Obviously finals are always a different kind of game. Given we have beaten them before in a grand final, we know we can do it.
“I’m really looking forward to our openers Ebony and Poppy giving us a good start as they always do.
“And then Bella Woods — she took 5-1 off two last week — she’s in great form leading in.”
Across the divide, Nagambie’s motivation is crystal clear.
The pain of losing last year’s grand final hit in an instant, and in an effort to wash out the sour taste, playing co-coach Kayla Shepherd said the squad set the goal of taking out the premiership just moments after the defeat.
“After last year especially, what everyone said that day is that we need to win it this year,” Shepherd said.
“I think there’s some slight nerves between some of us, but everyone is really keen to get that opportunity again and hopefully take it out this time, especially when we’ve been undefeated this year.
“There’s quite a good strong vibe — we’re all getting around each other really well.”
The Lakers’ undefeated run hasn’t come by accident.
Individual brilliance has played its part; Shepherd herself has enjoyed a searing season, amassing 364 runs at 121 and 10 wickets at 6.2 alongside Breanna Davison (143 runs and eight wickets).
But when it comes to the rest of the team, Nagambie’s success boils down to doing the basics right.
“It’s been more about going back to basics — walking in, backing people up, running in twos and being confident in one another,” Shepherd said.
“Everyone wanting to learn and also having fun while doing it, I think that’s been a big sticking point with us.”
Last year’s grand final loss left its mark — particularly in preparation.
“I think we kind of thought we’d just have it because we were there,” Shepherd said.
“Last year we just played the music, sat in the rooms and looked out and Mooroopna were warming up with batting and bowling.
“We were very slack in that regard. This year, warming up and having a direction of what to do on the day will help.”
Rest assured, Nagambie won’t be taking Mooroopna lightly this time around.
And if the Lakers holds an edge on paper, Shepherd believes it lies in depth.
“We’ve got so many people we can throw the ball to for different reasons; if we need a wicket or need to stem the runs,” she said.
“With the batting, we’ve got some of our bottom orders who might get turned around and come towards the top because they’ve improved out of sight.”
Regardless of which side comes up trumps, one thing is certain.
Sunday’s spectacle will be a steely hit out between this season’s two best sides, whether or not history will rhyme or repeat, Earl can’t wait to put on a show.
“It’s good to showcase women’s cricket to Shepparton and hopefully this weekend we can show off the great quality we have around the region,” she said.
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