The Saints were predicted to be the league’s big improvers after landing big name recruits Trent Storey, Luke Schilg, Darryn McKimmie and Dean Murphy in the off-season and haven’t disappointed to finish in second position with a 15-3 record.

Howlong last missed finals in 2005, in contrast to Brocklesby and Burrumbuttock, who last contested finals in 1995 before merging in 2006.

Brock-Burrum will head into the clash confident with the know-ledge it inflicted the Spiders’ only loss for the season in round 8.

But Eddy was quick to assume the underdog tag.

“We beat them but I think that will only make them more determined,” Eddy said.

“They have been the best side all year and obviously we are the underdogs.

“There is a lot more pressure on them than us.

“If we win it’s a bonus, if we lose everyone expected it anyway.”

Brock-Burrum has a 3-2 record against sides that finished inside the top six compared to the Spiders’ impressive 7-1, with the Saints last playing a top-six side in round 10.

Eddy was unsure of the impact of playing sides outside finals contention for the past eight weeks.

“We don’t know; we can only play who we are drawn to play,” he said.

“I will tell you Sunday. They have played the top sides and beaten them all and (they) would have been more pressure games.

“We have had some easy wins but some of the games have still been fairly fierce.”

Both teams possess explosive midfields with Jay Banks, Ben Nicholson, Adam Hansen, Steve Fouracre and Danny Hibberson enjoying stellar years for Howlong, while Storey, Schilg, Nathan Scott, Guest and Joe Boulton have been influential for the Saints.

Eddy has a healthy respect for the Spiders’ midfield but felt dominant Saints bigman Storey could provide an edge at the stoppages.

“Storey has had a great year and I can’t see it being any different come finals,” he said.

“We won’t be tagging anyone and will back our midfield to get the job done.

“We will just worry about us and are not too concerned about them.

“If we need to during the game, we will worry about it then.”

The Saints will welcome back spearhead Paul Glanville, Murphy and Guest, who all missed the last match of the season.