THE netball gods are smiling on Warrnambool, but there could still be twists and turns.
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North Warrnambool Eagles' shock one-goal loss on Saturday opened the door for Warrnambool to lock in third place and a second chance in finals.
The Blues didn't let it slip.
Raewyn Poumako's side were clinical in a 35-point thumping of Portland, but are sweating on an ankle injury to star defender Emma Cust.
Cust watched her side lock in a qualifying final berth from the sidelines after going down in the first quarter.
Poumako was unsure of the severity of the injury, but was thrilled to gain the security of third place.
"We're ecstatic to be honest. It takes the pressure off and it's a really nice result for us (to finish third)," she said.
"We've been working hard at training to develop our game right across the court and it's coming together.
"It was unexpected because we were relying on the other result but it's a nice surprise."
Poumako said her leadership group, including Cust, would play a vital part in preparations for the Blues' battle against Koroit next week.
It was unexpected because we were relying on the other result but it's a nice surprise.
- Raewyn Poumako
"I think it's crucial that they do. We always encourage our leaders to take on those (mentoring) roles," she said.
"I don't think we'll do anything different. There will be a bit of communication between us all but we're keeping positive.
"We're trying not to put too much focus on winning and keeping it on what we need to do to win."
Poumako said the Blues would monitor Cust's injury through the week.
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