SKIPTON is set to break Carngham-Linton's stranglehold on the RegionalOne Lexton Plains Football League premiership at Learmonth tomorrow.
The Saints have won the past three flags and are confident of a fourth.
But Skipton is also confident it can claim its first premiership since 2005.
The Emus lost just once during the year - to Rokewood-Corindhap - while having three wins against the Saints.
Their first two wins were by a total of 121 points, but round 16 was an eight-point ball game.
Neither has been at full strength for any of the three clashes, unlike tomorrow when each is expected to have its strongest team for the year.
Skipton had five players out of the round 16 clash, including coach Tim McKay, captain Kiernan Molloy and Joel Riske, who have a total of 147 goals between them.
Their inclusion will stretch the Carngham-Linton defence to the limit.
Add to that forward potency Damien Larkin and Matthew Hind and the Emus have one of the best forward lines the league has seen.
Carngham-Linton assistant coach Jake Pring acknowledges the Emus' attack.
"It's probably one of the better forward lines I've seen in my time in the league, but I think we've got the backline at the moment that can match them," he said.
The keys in the Saints defence are Nathan Wemyss, Tim Clarke and James Rayner.
Their job will be a big one, but not impossible.
Though the Carngham-Linton attack has been a bit suspect during the year, it is at its best for the grand final.
Clint Ladiges and Nick O'Brien played their first game together last week, and with Jarrod Burt in form, Skipton's back six will also have their hands full.
Cam Brown, Cam Postlethwaite and Lachlan Wilkie are tough competitors and will play hard and close to bring the ball to the ground for their running teammates.
The Saints have also named five players who did not see action in the last home and away round against Skipton.
Robbie Greenbank, Duane Bodey and Damon Aspland will make their presence felt, and there will be no excuses.
Skipton holds the trump card with more avenues to goal.
McKay said it was important to start the game well.
"(Carngham-Linton) is a very skilful outfit. We try to put pressure on them and still be very attacking, and if we're in front at quarter time, then we've done our job," he said.
The Emus have been the yardstick all year, and they will once again be too strong for the reigning premier.
PREDICTION: Skipton by 19 points.
Above Photograph: Skipton coach powerhouse Tim McKay muscles his way in front of Carngham-Linton's Travis Grigg in last year's grand final. McKay and Grigg are likely to go head-to-head again after last night being named as inclusions.