by Rob Popplestone
An intriguing encounter is predicted when Yinnar and Foster clash in the Mid Gippsland preliminary final at Morwell East on Saturday.
As one coach stated, "bring it on".
The more highly rated Magpies enter this final after a loss, whilst the Tigers are coming off two impressive finals wins.
To add to the mix, these two teams have met just once this season. In round 12, the Tigers were comprehensive six-goal winners, 10.11-71 to 4.11-35.
After that game, Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said Foster got the upper hand early in perfect footy conditions.
"We were never able to get the game on our terms with disposal and decision making letting us down," McCulloch said.
"Foster set up very well, played a good brand of footy and won most battles right across the field," he added. "Looking forward to seeing how the group responds."
At that time, Yinnar responded with another loss, this time to Stony Creek. But, there are no more second chances for the Magpies after the weekend's loss to the top of the table Fish Creek.
McCulloch, speaking before he knew of this weekend's opponent, said "we will need to play four quarters and will be in for a tough encounter against either team".
Foster has been tipped by many to be the side that could go all the way. Certainly their previous victory over Yinnar was one in which they took away many positives.
After round 12, Foster coach Sam Davies said Yinnar was a very good tea."We really set up well and were defensively elite," Davies said of the game.
However, finals are a different level altogether.
Some players - indeed some teams - find more than they knew they even had. On the other hand, some succumb to the pressure.
Neither of these sides are showing signs of faltering to be fair, so all indications are it can really go either way.
"We keep copping injury, but we keep having blokes stand up and play their role, which is a credit to them and our process," Davies said after Sunday's win. "A strong Yinnar group awaits us. Bring it on."
For the winner, reigning premier Fish Creek awaits. The Kangaroos will no doubt will looking on, hoping for a hard fought, physically draining encounter to be picked off.
Grand finals are seldom like that and whoever finds their way past this weekend will look forward to tarnishing the impeccable reputation of Fish Creek.

Preliminary final schedule:

Venue: Morwell East

Seniors: Yinnar v Foster at 2.20pm.

Reserves: Yinnar v MDU at 12.30pm.

Under 18s: Yinnar v Newborough at 10.45am.