Warrnambool surprises Koroit in 2019 Hampden netball qualifying final

The Blues charged to a double-figure lead to have the Saints on the ropes before they rallied to fall four goals short at Hamilton's Melville Oval on Saturday.

Finck, 27, said the 46-42 victory, which sets up a second semi-final date with Cobden, fuelled the Blues' belief.

"We are feeling amazing after that win. I think it is all coming together at the right time, that game just felt good from start to finish," she said.

"We're a happy camp at the moment."

Finck, in her third season at the Blues, said they were playing as a cohesive unit.

"I think there is a bit more consistency, no more injuries, people are playing week in, week out," she said.

"We're starting to get really used to each other and familiar. A few of the girls have played together for a while now so it's starting to get quite comfortable."

Finck, who hails from Heathmere, conceded Koroit's comeback sent a scare through the Blues' camp.

But she believes it could hold them in good stead.

"It is scary when they come back at you like that. I think we just got a bit fatigued there in the end," she said.

"The girls did really well to hold on and get the win in the end. (I have) faith in my girls to go all the way, we've definitely got the team to do it." Warrnambool coach Raewyn Poumako said it was rewarding work at training had paid off.

"I felt like we've done enough at practice to know when it gets tight to steady it down and keep possession," she said.

"We've been working on our starts big-time and what we're going to do so we ensure we score off all our centre passes and our defensive pressure on the opposition centre pass is strong. I was really pleased."

Koroit coach Stacey O'Sullivan lamented the Saints' sluggish start which she put down to nerves.

"We just weren't switched on enough for a final and they got out to too big a lead," she said.

But O'Sullivan was pleased with the side's tenacity to fight back and put itself in a winning position.

"The second half we won both quarters so that was good," she said.

Old Collegians' Vanessa McLaren came on for her first open Hampden game for the season after half-time.

McLaren, who plays for the Saints' 17 and under side, was available after the Warriors' A grade Warrnambool and District league season ended last week.

"To come on and play in a final and change a game, she made a massive difference," O'Sullivan said.