The prize on offer | (Credit: Emily Mogic/TWG) The prize on offer | (Credit: Emily Mogic/TWG)

The finals are coming!

And this year's W-League game of thrones is shaping up to be the most closely fought in many a season.

Three of the houses, ah, clubs have held the crown in past three seasons with only Melbourne Victory yet to climb to the summit.

To this end the contender from the south is shoring up their troops for the battle ahead with three key signings in the last fortnight alone; Seattle Reign defender Lauren Barnes, foundation player Maika Ruyter-Hooley and former Perth Glory midfielder Ella Mastrantonio.

Central defender Ruyter-Hooley and holding midfielder Mastrantonio are both familiar faces set to provide a vital function as injuries and international duties have left the Victory looking a little threadbare.

“We have operated a smaller than ideal squad all season due to issues with Rebekah Stott and obviously Ash Brown’s injury, so this signing, along with Lauren Barnes and Maika [Ruyter-Hooley], really just fills our squad,” said coach Dave Edmondson.

"We can push on into the semi finals with competition for places and confidence that we can cover injuries or international duties.”

Meanwhile Canberra United are preparing for the finals with a freshening up of the squad.  Round 10 saw Liesbeth Migchelsen rest several starters including the in form Ashleigh Sykes and Sally Rojahn as they faced a schedule of three games in six days.

A new face to the rotation is set to be former Julie Dolan Medallist Sally Shipard who is due to make her first W-League appearance in 18 months.

Sydney FC too are currently playing mix and match with their line up but with Anna Green (injured), Natalie Tobin (illness), Ellyse Perry (cricket), Danielle Brogan still being eased back from injury out, as well as their condensed schedule of matches, Alen Stajcic's side is starting to look a little leg weary.

A loss to Canberra United hasn't helped the situation with the reigning queens of the league now forced to closely contest the final two matches if they are to wrest the high ground for the finals battle.

The last of the houses, and by no means the least, Brisbane Roar have been keeping to themselves since they lost a skirmish heavily to Sydney FC.

A 3-2 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers has secured their place in the finals for the sixth straight season but whether this powerful unit can devise a battle plan strong enough to capture the iron throne remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure, they certainly have the weapons for it with Tameka Butt, Hayley Raso and Larissa Crummer running into hot form at the right time.

As has been demonstrated already this season, there is not much separating these four sides and four weeks out from the decider, the crown is anyone's to raise.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Oops. Wrong book.