The Saints could have been excused for experimenting or easing off in Saturday’s first-versus-fifth clash against Portland at Victoria Park, with both sides’ ladder positions locked in.

But Koroit took advantage of having a full team in a dress rehearsal for Saturday week’s second semi-final. The Saints won every quarter as they cruised to a 64-29 win — their 17th out of 18 matches this season, with a draw the closest they’ve come to a defeat.

Co-coach Kate Dobson said the Saints made the most of having goal defence Holly Greene on court by playing her teammates in their best spots.

Greene, who works in Melbourne, has played seven games this season, which has meant stints for co-coaches Kate Foster and Dobson in the key defensive post.

Dobson said the Saints enjoyed getting back to a settled line-up, with Foster, in her 250th A grade match, lining up at her customary wing defence position.

“We feel like we are in the best spot we can possibly be,” Dobson said of the Saints’ build-up to the finals.

“We feel like we can’t do any more.”

The Saints shared court time among their goalies Carley Thomas, Teagan Lang and Rachel Dobson after Thomas was forced from the court with a blood nose following an accidental hit from Kate Dobson.

Dobson said the Saints felt they were playing better than at this time last year when they went into the finals undefeated but ultimately came up short in the grand final.

“After having the loss last year, you look at things different. We never thought we had it in the bag. We are very conscious of last year’s defeat.”

That has prompted in-depth analysis each week and an emphasis on continual improvement. That will to be better every week is underlined by the Saints’ training schedule this week. Despite having no game this weekend, they will train on Thursday night and then have another session on Saturday, with optional attendance at the qualifying final between North Warrnambool Eagles and Hamilton Kangaroos.

While Koroit was keen for a good hit-out, Portland opted to ease its way into a historic first Hampden league finals series.

Coach Kerri Jennings, who has overcome an Achilles complaint, opted to rest while defender/midcourter Donna Fearon-Ciugureanu did not play because of illness.

Jennings said the game carried no incentive for her side.

“It couldn’t change our position,” she said.

“I played all my kids.”

Jennings said the Tigers took little out of the match,  other than game time for an inexperienced line-up.

Jennings said she was fit to play next week and the Tigers would change their weekly schedule to suit Sunday’s game. Instead of a fitness session tonight, it will be skills-based and the Thursday night main session will be held on Friday night.