The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are relishing being the underdogs as they prepare to face the New South Wales Swifts in their trans-Tasman netball semi-final in Hamilton on Monday night.
They suffered a 28-goal defeat to the Swifts in their round two clash in Sydney earlier this season and were knocked out by them at the same stage last year.
However, wing defence Jamie Lee Price believes they've turned a corner since that record loss.
"Yeah, I love it just because there is not much pressure on us and everyone gives them much more attention," she said.
"It's definitely going to be a tough game as they're a quality team but we've improved since the last time we played them so if we play to our full potential then we're capable of winning."
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The Magic started the season with five straight losses due to a series of injuries to key players and looked in danger of missing the finals for the first time in the franchise's history.
However, they've now won eight of their last 10 matches including two impressive play-off victories against the Auckland Mystics and the previously undefeated Southern Steel.
"We're gelling as a team and I think the more we play well the more confident we become so I'm just glad we're playing really well when it counts."
Price, who has just been selected to trial for the Silver Ferns next month, also can't wait to face her former team-mate Laura Langman.
"Langman's a really good player and she's definitely someone I have looked up to in the past."
But she's promising not to be overawed by the occasion and will take the advice of her father, former Kangaroo and Warrior Steve Price.
"I haven't spoken to him much this week but he will say the same thing - just go out and smash it and give it your all."
