TODAY will be the last chance to book a Western Border football grand final berth, with Casterton Sandford and East Gambier to go head-to-head at Malseed Park.
The preliminary final is set for an epic showdown, with the only outside influence being the weather.
Rain is forecast, which could provide some headaches for tipsters and likewise for players.
Last year’s grand final saw the Bulldogs claim the honours over North Gambier down at Island Park in the wet.
The last minor round of games this season saw the Cats fall to West Gambier – also in the wet.
The Cats would also have memories of last year’s preliminary final, where they were bundled out by the Bulldogs to end their season.
While it is fair to say East has experienced an up-and-down season, there was plenty of class on show in the first semi-final, where the Bulldogs held off a determined Roos outfit to claim the points and advance to tomorrow’s game.
In contrast the Cats were relegated to the preliminary final after a defeat last week at the hands of Millicent, with the Saints now waiting for their grand final opponent.
There seems to be a strong contingent from both sides, after injuries have been an issue this season, probably more so for the Bulldogs.
But there will be no excuses tomorrow, with the winner advancing and the loser left to ponder what could have been.
The popular vote is with the Bulldogs, who will look to defend their 2017 premiership flag, should they make the big dance.
On paper there is little to separate the two sides, with both boasting a strong backline, fast mid-field and potent forward pack.
For the Cats, the likes of Dylan Ayton, Daniel Wombwell and Josh Stephenson across the half-back line provide a solid first line of defence and feed the ball well into the mid-fielders.
There Billy Galpin, Callum Currie and Tynan Shannon provide plenty of run.
Moving forward coach Hamish Jarrad, Tom McArlien, the big target of Sam Broomby deep inside and the class of Gus Cleary provide plenty of scoring power, while Currie is no slouch in front of the big sticks either.
The Bulldogs look equally as impressive around the ground, with a back six of Nick Lock, Matt Ferguson, Fraser Scanlon, Jayden Eldridge, Alex Pfeiffer and John Forster a formidable defensive line.
The run of coach Matt Willson, Josh Ransom and Jesse Fry through the middle equals that of the Cats, while the forward pack is certainly something to be feared.
The likes of Kev Thomson, Matt Scanlon and Mark Rumbelow are just three of the Bulldogs scoring weapons, with plenty more players able to find a goal or two.
A major focus will be the ruck contest, with Mark Kieselbach and Will Macdonald sure to provide an entertaining clash.
Whoever can provide their running team mates first use of the ball could have a big impact on the final result.
Both have been in good form, with Macdonald finishing the minor rounds runner-up in the league best and fairest.
The Cats have not reached a Western Border grand final since 1999 when they lost to South Gambier, which will provide plenty of desire to claim the win tomorrow and advance through.
For the Bulldogs it will be about a chance to defend their 2017 title, after breaking a near-three-decade hoodoo last year.
If the weather holds out spectators will be treated to some fast and classy football, but if the ground is heavy expect a tough and gritty slog.
Both sides are capable of either style of play and the best of both will be on display regardless.
This is certainly one contest not to be missed.
The game kicks off at the usual time of 2.30pm.
