The final chapter of the compelling duel between WNBL superstars Suzy Batkovic and LIz Cambage, looms as one of the most intriguing aspects of Sunday's season decider in Townsville.
The Melbourne Boomers and Townsville Fire split the first two games of the grand final series, setting up the first decider since the best of three concept was introduced in 2015-16.
A capacity crowd is expected to attend, with the vast majority hoping to cheer Townsville to a third title in four years.
The first two games were low scoring affairs, with neither team getting to 70 points in either match.
The battle between between WNBL MVP Batkovic and runner-up Cambage has been a highlight of the series.
That rivalry almost didn't extend to Sunday, as Boomers big Cambage on Friday was found guilty of striking Townsville counterpart Batkovic in the second quarter of game two on Thursday.
That result would normally get Cambage suspended for one game but because she accepted an early guilty plea and a fine she was allowed to suit up on Sunday.
However, whatever influence Batkovic and Cambage exert on game three, it's probably just as likely to hinge on the amount of scoring and defensive support they get from their respective teammates.
Cambage was the Boomers' only double digit scorer in their game one loss and likewise, Batkovic was the only Fire player to reach double figures in their defeat.
Melbourne's other big star, Jenna O'Hea, has scored just 14 points on six of 21 field goal attempts across the first two games.
Fellow Opal and Townsville frontcourt stalwart Cayla George will look to rebound from a scoreless effort in game two, in which she missed all eight of her field goal shots.
The clash of the centres apart, there are other storylines and scenarios which make the game intriguing.
The series going all the way means veteran Townsville guard Kelly Wilson will get to play her 350th game.
Wilson hasn''t decided if this will be her final season but has suggested a championship would be an ideal way to go out.
A Fire title win in the new condensed season and packed format would also be a significant feat, given the travelling issues for Townsville, who can't get a direct flight to the cities of most of their interstate rivals.
A title win for the Boomers would be their first in seven seasons and complete an extraordinary revival, just a couple of years after they were in danger of folding.
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