Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis says she'll give wing defence Kate Eddy up until the last minute to prove her fitness for Sunday's netball grand final against West Coast Fever.
Eddy injured her foot in the last round of the regular season and missed the side's major semi-final victory over Sunshine Coast Lightning two weeks ago.
Allie Smith stepped in for Eddy during the victory over the Lightning.
McKinnis is optimistic Eddy will be fit to return for the grand final in Brisbane.
"It's actually progressing really well. She'll be training this afternoon," McKinnis said on Thursday morning.
"The signs are really positive. From my perspective, we're looking to have her on the list on Sunday.
"We'll give her right up to the last minute, but everything has gone as well as it possibly could."
The Vixens haven't played in a grand final since winning the ANZ Championship in 2014, and Sunday's match will be the last for retiring Vixens shooters Caitlin Thwaites and Tegan Philip.
Co-captain Liz Watson said it was disappointing that the team hasn't won a title in recent seasons.
Their best opportunity was in 2017 when they were the minor premiers before bombing out of the finals in straight sets.
They also reached the preliminary final last year.
"I've played with these girls for a long time, Simone has coached us right from the start, so I feel like we owe it to Simone more than anyone to get this title for her," Watson said.
Vixens have been installed as favourites for the grand final given they finished on top of the ladder and lost just twice all season.
McKinnis said the team wasn't feeling any extra pressure.
"We've backed ourselves the whole season and we'll go in there fearlessly again this weekend, and just really enjoy the challenge and enjoy the finish of what has been a pretty unique season," she said.
