After witnessing Australia's men's Olympic gold medal chances disappear before their very eyes courtesy of a penalty shoot out, Thunder captain Sophie Collings hopes it doesn't get that far for her side.

"I'm hoping it doesn't go to one-on-ones because we're not very good at them," she admitted.

The Thunder have already had some experience at them this year - with a 50 percent winning record.

But regardless of the result against Taree Tigers, the youthful Thunder girls should be proud of their efforts in progressing to the last Saturday in the competition.

The side is largely dominated by under-21 players with the oldest at 26.

"It's been a pretty good year. We've had some ups and we've had some downs, but overall we've been pretty consistent," Collings said.

"I think when we play well together that's what got us there."

Collings has represented South Australia at under-21 level before she made the move to NSW.

Midfielder Zara Ferguson is one of another five current or previous New South Wales state representatives in the Thunder side.

She represented NSW at under-13 level, while Maddi Drewitt (under-18s), Emersyn Smith (under-15s), Chelsea Marshall (under-21s) and Annika Toohey (under-21s) have all reached a high level.

"It's been good to have Annika back from Sydney before all the lockdowns so she's going to be beneficial for us," Ferguson said.

The teenager has been to a grand final before when the Thunder were beaten by Camden Haven 12 months ago.

"We came out second against Camden Haven last year so I'm hoping to go one step better this weekend," she said.

Coach Jarrod Smith said the club was in a strong position to contend for the women's title for many years to come.

"We're in a position where we've got 10 or 12 local juniors and are still a very young team, but they've continued to evolve over the last few years," he said.

"The addition of the newer girls to the area has boosted their chances for success. That comes from our affiliation with Charles Sturt University which has been a positive development for our club and those athletes playing for us."

Smith didn't see it as a surprise his side had progressed to the grand final.

"Our players have stepped up and evolved in the Premier League and are a bit more successful," he said.

"Bringing a bit of strength has given the team some balance so we're able to compete with teams who are a little bit physically stronger.

"We're in a position now where we are as skillful and smart as the rest of them."

Saturday's grand final starts at 4pm at Taree Hockey Centre.

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