LAVINGTON Panthers coach Brett McLennan believes his team will take a decisive mental advantage into tomorrow’s Albury-Wodonga Football Association elimination final against Myrtleford at Aloysius Park.

After being surprise 1-0 winners in their meetings during the home and away series, McLennan said yesterday they had sown the seeds of doubt into the opposition and were confident of advancing to the semi-finals.

“I have no doubt that we have a mental edge,” he said.

“Myrtleford is a team of superstars who are very confident in their ability, but we work hard for each other and if 11 players contribute on Sunday I’m sure we will win. If one or two don’t, we’ll get done.”

While McLennan is confident of victory, he had no hesitation in labelling Myrtleford co-coach Pat Arcuri as the danger man.

Arcuri missed both matches against Lavington this season due to injury and McLennan says his ability to rip a match apart is his biggest concern.

“Pat Arcuri is a gun,” he said.

“He scored two goals against us in the first 20 minutes of the elimination final last year and Myrtleford won 3-1, so you can see what an impact he had.

“We’ll have a plan though and it’s just a matter of whether we can carry it out.”

Myrtleford is expected to take a full strength line-up into the clash, while Panthers have lost Mark McMillan and Scott Hanson for the rest of the season.

Goalkeeper Josh Tidswell has been unable to train due to work commitments and will play second grade.

“Work has made things pretty difficult for Josh and he understands that you need to be able to train,” he said.

“Josh Fluss is back in goals and I think he intimidates Myrtleford a bit with his size.

“You have got to play finals confidently or it’s no use turning up.”