Although the Raiders haven’t beaten North Albury since 2005, Hodgson was unable to explain one of the longest running hoodoos in Ovens and Murray football.

“Only they would know that (psychological advantage),” Hodgson said.

“I wouldn’t say yes or no.

“Obviously we have a good record over the Raiders lately, but I don’t know if it’s a psychological advantage.”

Wodonga Raiders defeated North Albury twice in 2005, but have struggled in match-ups since and blew a golden opportunity to end the streak at Bunton Park earlier this season when Kris Holman bobbed up late with two match-winning goals.

The Raiders need to win by a huge margin to grab third spot off North Albury, but the odds of that happening appear slim with both clubs being cautious with injuries on the eve of the finals.

Adam Cook has been given another week to recover from ankle problems, while the Hoppers opted to spell James Paton.

Hodgson said he was more concerned about building on last weekend’s solid win against Myrtleford than worrying about the double chance.

“It’s not a dead-rubber, but we would have to play poorly to give up third spot,” he said.

“Regardless of that, it’s about taking good form into the finals.

“I know Myrtleford is battling, but we played well last week and it’s no good having the double chance if you aren’t playing decent footy.

“The Raiders are around the mark and hopefully we can continue building momentum.”

Wodonga Raiders weren’t disgraced against Albury last weekend, but were exposed after blowing early chances and coach Corey Lambert will be desperate to apply scoreboard pressure.

Full-forward Tony Pierri looks set to be picked up by Nathan Matsinos, who will play his 100th match, and Nick Georgiadis is expected to be tracked by Kade Klemke.

Pierri leads Albury captain Matt Fowler by three goals in the race for the Strang medal and the Raiders will need a big haul from him.

“‘Poppers&rsqu o; usually plays on the Fowlers, McMillans and Pierris, but Matsinos is a good player and he’s always great value for us,” Hodgson said.