Championship Women (1^st 16-5): vs. Melbourne Tigers (4^th 12-9) @ The Arena Annexe, Saturday 8.00pm and Sunday 3.00pm (if required)

Just one win stands between the Lady Cats and a first ever Big V State Championship grand final berth. In Geelong’s favour is the one-nil advantage over Melbourne they take into the weekend. Coach Grantley Bernard will be hoping the Lady Cats can carry their second half form into game two on Saturday night. “Getting game one of a best-of-three series is always important,” coach Bernard said. “The girls' second half showed just how much they wanted it and how tough they are to beat when they're all on the same page and clicking. It was a selfless, team performance with five players scoring in double digits and did everyone proud." Former Bendigo WNBL player Anna Teague’s fine recent form continued, scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds in the 72-72 victory, while Candice Rogers also had 17 points.. WNBL star Elyse Penaluna threatened to prove the difference between the two sides, scoring 20 of her 25 points in the first half, and will be a key to Melbourne leveling the series. "We know this series is a long way from over, so we need to start game two like we played the second half of game one,” Bernard said. “We'll make some adjustments and the Tigers will make some adjustments, but the key is not making too many adjustments. If we execute the basics well and maintain our energy, effort and focus, it's a good start.” The winner of the Lady Cats-Tigers’ series will meet Hume City or Waverley in the grand final. The Lady Broncos currently lead the series with the Falcons after a 73-70 game one win.

Division 1 Men (1^st 16-4): vs. vs. Altona (4^th 12-8) @ The Arena Annexe, Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 1.00pm (if required)

Like their female counterparts, the Cats are also just one win away from a grand final berth. After a tight first quarter, Geelong was able to turn the screws on Altona defensively in the second quarter to set-up what would turn out to be a match-winning break. Paul Hutchison shook off some recent health problems with a vintage performance, scoring 21 points, grabbing eight rebounds and picking up four steals. Veteran big man Marty De Lange also starred (16 points, 10 rebounds and four steals), while Jason Reardon’s stunning season continued with 12 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks. Cats’ coach Shayne Bow won’t be underestimating the Gators in game two. However, he will be keen to get the job done on Saturday night, especially if the series between Warrnambool and Melbourne University, which the Seahawks lead 1-0 after a last-gasp 73-71 win over the Black Angels on the Shipwreck Coast, goes to three games. Gators’ leading scorer James Guljas played just 19 minutes in game one, but still managed 12 points and seven rebounds. He, along with big Daniel Williamson (12 points. 13 rebounds, three assists in game one) will be the keys to Altona forcing Geelong to return on Sunday to finish off the series.