The Demons triumphed against the Rats early in the year by 16 goals, but the Rats bit back with an 18-goal win in round 12.

Both sides finished with 10 wins in the home and away season.

Just three goals separated the sides a fortnight ago when the Demons booked a grand final berth after scores were level at half-time.

Demons coach Jaymi O’Connor said her team had gradually improved throughout the season and would take confidence out of its semi-final victory.

“It was a good, hard-fought win,” she said.

“Our defence really stood up and cut down their attacking play and our goal shooter Bethany Horton played the game of her life and got us over the line.

“The girls are improving every single week – they’re like sponges – they take everything in and put it into play on the court.”

Ararat coach Megan Shea said her charges were capable of claiming the flag.

“It would be fantastic for the club to win it,” she said.

“It’s exciting – the girls are the only team at the club in a grand final.

“It has been a long time since Ararat’s won a junior grand final and I think this team is capable of doing that.

“Hopefully the girls enjoy the grand final experience, continue to play with the club and have many more grand final experiences.”

Shea said her team had gotten better as the year had gone on. 

“We had a fairly big 15 and under squad with the A and the B teams, so the team didn’t really settle until the second half of the year,” she said.