The Griffith Swans will head into the 2019 Riverina Football League decider looking to end a 16-year wait to taste grand final success when they take on Wagga Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
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Coach Will Griggs feels there is a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere around the club by comparison to this time last year.
"Good thing is with the young group most of them have been there and done that now," he said.
"Had a chat with a few of the younger boys at training on Tuesday night and a few of them were saying they are a bit more relaxed and they are a bit more excited than nervous."
It was a slow start which cost the Swans in last year's decider, and Griggs is keen to make sure they get off on the right foot this time around.
"We didn't need to reinvent the wheel as they say all of the formulas were there it was just the experience in the finals that let us down," he said.
"There is a big focus on starting well, maintaining that four-quarter effort and making sure we are hitting our straps at the right time."
While the Swans coach admitted that he would be happy to take home the title this weekend, he said the focus is bringing the trophy home for the Griffith footballing community.
"For me, it would be great, but it would mean more to the club and the town," he said.
"The focus is about the town and the club having sustained success."
Having fallen to the Tigers in their opening clash at Exies Oval, the Swans were able to send a message heading into the finals with a final-round win before backing it up with a win in the qualifying final the following week.
Griggs isn't getting ahead of himself despite the results
"On the big stage you don't focus too much on the history," he said.
"It is just another game, and anything can happen on that last day. Records and that sort of thing don't matter because it is a different ball game."
One of the key match-ups for the afternoon will be Jesse Manton up against Swans captain James Toscan.
" He has started on him the last few times, and he is a very smart and strong player," he said.
The first grade clash with get underway at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon at the Narrandera Sportsground
There is a big focus on starting well, maintaining that four quarter effort and making sure we are hitting our straps at the right time
- Swans coach Will Griggs
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Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
