Going into this weekend's Ballarat Netball League A grade grand final, Stacey McCartin will be taking an unfamiliar seat in some very familiar territory.
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The North Ballarat City star will feature in her fifth consecutive grand final, but this time will be looking to help her mum, coach Annie McCartin from the sidelines.
Despite remaining the team's captain, Stacey hasn't played a game of netball since round five of the competition as she is expecting the birth for her first child in late December.
Watch the captains press conference here:
McCartin says while it's been difficult at times, she has loved her time on the sidelines.
"You get a different perspective from the sidelines compared to being out there," she said.
"I always thought it'd be easier on the sidelines but when you're on the court you don't actually realise how much control you have.
"I've really enjoyed sitting beside mum and listening to the coaching side of the game.
"I've learnt so much sitting on the sidelines, it allows me to help the younger ones as the game unfolds."
The 2018 McLean Medalist said she has been impressed with the work of her side's young players throughout the finals.
"Obviously with young players some days they can have their best game ever and others it can all get a bit too much.
"Our young girls our very mature for their age... every game this year they've improved and I think they're really standing up now."
Many of North's young players already possess finals experience which McCartin believes will be invaluable come Saturday.
"I think it's very important to have that (experience)... there will be a big crowd there and a lot more adrenaline running through so having that experience does play a big role."
Coming up against East Point in a 2018 grand final rematch, McCartin said her side isn't taking anything for granted and is expecting a high intensity contest between the respected rivals.
"You can never underestimate any team, especially not East Point in the finals. They will throw everything at it just like we will. We Know on Saturday they'll be giving us everything they've got.
"You've just got to be on your A game, if you let it slip or have a bad quarter that can really cost you."
Having beaten North to secure its spot in the grand final, East Point are full of confidence heading into the premiership clash.
However despite losing last year's grand final, Roos coach Emma Farrell says her side doesn't need any extra motivation ahead of Saturday's game.
"You've just got to wipe the slate clean and move past the disappointment from last year," Farrell said.
"We've still got one more game and we've got to do everything else to motivate ourselves to get over the line.
"We've got a job to do on Saturday and we'll be focussing on Saturday's game... we're just going to get out there and stick to our own game and if we do that I think we'll take it right up to them."
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