That's the only way to accurately describe how Feds' assistant Fiona Reith is feeling ahead of her side's opening semi finals clash against Lithgow Panthers as the longtime mentor looked back on what's been a pleasantly surprising season that was capped off with a resounding win over Souths in round seven that saw Confederates secure second spot on the ladder.

The 2020 version of the Premier League Hockey campaign has been a challenging one for all parties involved but it's particularly difficult when you welcome aboard a new coach before an extremely brief preseason.

Nic Milne came on board in the lead-up to the campaign and only had a couple of weeks to instil some of his structures into the side before they were off and running against Parkes in round one.

While the scoresheet from that match initially spelled out a loss to Confederates, Parkes were stripped of their win after fielding an unregistered player, giving Feds five competition points and paving the way for what would eventually be an 18-point campaign.

And even though they were fortunate in round one, it's taken a hell of a lot of hard work to get from where they were then to where they are now.

"Nic [Milne] and I are so excited for them," Reith said.

"They've worked really hard and they had some good numbers in the preseason and they were all so enthusiastic... that makes it easier for the coaches.

"Coming into the season, the goal was to make the top four and they've superseded that already."

But Reith knows it's going to take more than enthusiasm to take out the reigning premiers on Saturday as Panthers await Confederates at Lithgow for what's going to be their toughest clash of the year.

"We haven't played them yet... that was the game that we had called off," she said.

"We have no idea what to expect but they've been the benchmark for the last five years.

"We have to play our best game and make sure we play for the full hour and never give up or throw in the towel."

This competition's certainly been a sprint as opposed to a marathon and Reith thinks that's suited the girls.

"In a longer season you have to pace yourself more but this one's been really short and sharp and I think the girls have liked that," she said.

"Nic Milne's also been really good for us... for so long it's been an all-female cohort and he's added a different element to the team... he's been great.

"There's just a lot of excitement around the team right now and they're all going to go out and do the best they can for each other."

Finishing in the top two was crucial for Feds because it means they can afford to lose this first-up finals clash against Panthers and still live to fight another day against the winner of St Pat's vs. CYMS in the minor semi final.

That contest will be a grand-final qualifier so no matter what happens at Lithgow on Saturday, Confederates have earned the right to fight for a spot in the decider.

The major semi final is set to get underway at Lithgow at 1.30pm.