Russell has ramped up the mind games, saying all the pressure was on the Bulldogs.

Strathmerton will go in the clash as favourites, despite losing last week’s second semi-final to flag favourite Jerilderie.

“We’ve been underdogs all finals but we’ll be big, big underdogs this week,” Russell said.

“We’ve got nothing to lose this week.

“We’ll have to be at our best to beat them.

“Put it this way — we are the Corowa or Wang Rovers of our league coming up against one of the big teams.”

But Russell said the resurgent Saints had no intention of rolling over against their much-vaunted opponent.

“I can’t fault our boys at the moment,” he said.

“If they take their foot off the pedal, we’ll be waiting.

“Everyone has been pulling their weight.”