Reid guided the Demons into second spot for the second successive year but is yet to win a final in his time at the helm.

They were bundled out of the finals in straight sets last year and proved no match for raging flag favourite Cudgewa in last week’s second semi-final, going down by 38 points.

In contrast Bullioh boasts an enviable finals record and are have played in six of the past seven deciders for four flags.

Reid said the Bulldogs would enter the clash as favourites after they enjoyed a 42-point victory in their most recent encounter in round 12.

“Even though we finished second I think most people would have us as underdogs on Saturday,” Reid said.

“Full credit to their coach Peter Dean who has got them playing their best footy at the right time of the year.

“We just need to start well, apply some early scoreboard pressure and utilise the home ground advantage.

“We can let it develop into a scrap and we learnt that lesson last year in the finals.”

Corryong will be sweating on the outcome of last night’s tribunal hearing after livewire Troy Cooper was reported for striking Cudgewa defender Dane Arthur last week.

Reid has put the onus on the Demons’ senior core including himself, league medallist Shannon Gilson and Cooper, if available, to perform this week.

“I thought losing Russell Anderson early last week hurt our structures,” he said.

“Our backline was super but we just couldn’t win the ball out of the middle.

“Personally I was disappointed with my game last week and I really need to step up this week and provide another option in attack for us in attack.”

Reid said containing the Bulldogs’ runners including Jacob Curran and Charlie Hindle as the key to winning.

Bullioh is set to welcome back best and fairest Clint Ried and Mark Nichol who both missed the first semi-final a fortnight ago.

Corryong will be without key forward Anderson ruled out with an ankle injury.