The Canberra Royals' women's team is on the verge of a premiership hat-trick, but their hopes were almost shattered by an administration error which relegated them to last place.
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Royals will play the Tuggeranong Viqueens in the women's grand final at Viking Park on Saturday in a re-match of the past two deciders.
Both teams will have to cover the loss of key stars, who are in Ireland with the Wallaroos for the World Cup campaign.
But Royals' hopes of three titles in a row almost died when they had all of their points stripped after they played with at least six unregistered players.
It left the club sitting at the bottom of the ladder, but ADFA withdrew from the finals and paved the way for Royals to win a minor semi-final and a preliminary final to book their ticket to a clash against Tuggeranong.
"We were handed a lifeline when ADFA pulled out," said Royals captain Jodi Knight.
"It was an administrative issue, but we've put it behind us and we'll get on with it on Saturday.
"The feeling is good, especially in our team. Some of our younger girls have really stepped up ... we're no stranger to missing some players so we'll be ready."
Tuggeranong has won 11 of its 12 games this season and is perfectly positioned to end Royals' stranglehold on the title.
They will have to power to a premiership without star Kate Brown, a mechanic from Jindabyne, after she made her Wallaroos debut at the World Cup in Ireland on Friday morning.
Royals will be missing veteran hooker Louise Burrows, Millie Boyle and Violeta Tupuola, who are also with the Wallaroos squad.
Viqueens skipper Shellie Millward said Brown's rise would give Tuggeranong extra motivation to continue finish their season on a high.
"I'm sure we'll speak about it and maybe even see if we can get in contact [with Brown] before we run on to have a few words," Millward said.
"Everyone knows we'll be missing her out on the park, so we'll be playing for her as well.
"The nerves are starting to roll in, but I think everyone will keep it under control until we get to Saturday. Both teams have some players out ... girls have had to step up and they've done that quite well."
WOMEN'S GRAND FINAL
Saturday: Tuggeranong Viqueens v Royals at Viking Park field No. 2, 1.15pm.
Tuggeranong: 15. K Parsons, 14. L De Masson, 13. K Lyons, 12. S Waihope, 11. A Muria, 10. S Millward, 9. R Wilton, 8. E Sogal, 7. K Wilson, 6. S Tate, 5. N Whatley, 4. P Cox, 3. M Ayres, 2. S Stewart-Jones, 1. E Atkinson.
Royals: K Kapea, 14. D Read, 13. C Livermore, 12. R Fleming, 11. K Bellchambers, 10. M Perry, 9. S Carter, 8. U Simiale, 7. S Churchill, 6. D Koote, 5. M Heddershaw, 4. E Brandt, 3. A Faigafa, 2. J Knight, 1. S Blaseotto.
JOHN I DENT CUP GRAND FINAL
Saturday: Royals v Wests at Viking Park, 3.25pm.
Lower grades
Second grade: Tuggeranong Vikings v Queanbeyan Whites at Viking Park field No. 1, 1.25pm.
Colts: Gungahlin Eagles v Queanbeyan Whites at Viking Park No. 1, 11.35.
First division first grade: Gungahlin Eagles v Tuggeranong Vikings at Viking Park No. 2, 11.25am.
First division second grade: Tuggeranong Vikings v Queanbeyan Whites at Viking Park No. 2, 9.35am.
