Often, a clear preference can be made, yet, having played in several grand finals, no one is more aware that the outcome very rarely accords precisely with either form entering the match or the relative strengths of the teams.

As pressure rises, decisions carry more risk, which means they're usually harder to make effectively, and matches change as a consequence.

Rather, this year is about how evenly matched the teams are, for the following reasons, which mean nothing but that a fascinating contest is in store.

Firstly, the coaches. Tony Popovic has made three grand finals in four years, an extraordinary achievement for a veteran with the highest budget let alone a new head coach putting not just a team, but an entire culture together.

Popovic is a professional in the true sense of the word. For those who support the Wanderers, you will see him at the club, at the women's training, at youth training and games, overseeing everyone, keeping every player and staff member on notice in performance and this has built a culture of work ethic on and off the field.

As a fish rots from the head, so to speak, so too does excellence emanate from those in leadership positions, according to the standards they create and abide by. When the leader works harder than anyone else, and cares more, and holds himself to incredibly high standards, you either step up with your own performance, or you leave.

Those that stay at the Wanderers are tough and unforgiving, hardened through a daily environment of excellence and an immense work rate and ultimately benefit from the experience.

So much of life is about the average, just getting along, doing enough, waiting for the bus home, but sometimes people come along who can sell a vision, who can create the platform, rules and environment to bring it to life and have the authority, drive and energy to enforce high performance. Popovic is one. Otherwise, a new club does not win a league title, an Asian Champions League and make three season deciders in four years.

It is impossible without consistent excellence in every area of the business and someone driving others onto that extra performance, more than they thought themselves capable of.

Back to his best: Adelaide's Bruce Djite. Photo: Morne de Klerk

Easily the most successful young coach we have produced, Popovic has evolved his playing style dramatically, recruited differently, challenged his own beliefs and triumphed again. You wonder how far he can go, but I see little difference in his methodology and personality from successful practitioners in top European leagues. He will only need the right chance at the right time to succeed as our first European head coach. Additional titles will expedite the process.

Guillermo Amor, on the other hand, has done something most impressive in overcoming not just inexperience in the head role, albeit with an extraordinary technical acumen already, but also the language barrier.

Growing through the season in both aspects, once his team knew they were on the right path again – and quite likely Amor had worked out the process needed to communicate and convince his players – Adelaide were close to unbeatable.

Like Josep Gombau before him, Amor has proven to be a marvellous addition to the league and adds to the rich Spanish or Catalan flavour of season 11 that has made it the best yet.

Throw in the Spanish-speaking Uruguayan maestro Bruno Fornaroli and Argentine talisman Marcelo Carrusca and we have been blessed with some marvellous players to watch.

The rest will be on show in the big one. Sergio Cirio has been exceptional. Love him. Smart, skilled, quick, creator and scorer, always probing and threatening. It's a shame he wasn't here five years ago to play in green and gold.

Brothers in arms: Andreu and Wanderers veteran Mark Bridge. Photo: Getty Images

Likewise, Isaias and Andreu, from Adelaide and Wanderers respectively. Their understanding of the game and consequent decision making is a guide to any young players or coaches as to why the Spanish and Barcelona system is so good in teaching management of the game. It's what Barca call "reading the field" even from the age of seven: understanding and execution with maximum efficiency. I could watch both of them all day.

The impact of Dimas Delgado and Alberto Aguilar has been just as great but, in addition, the Australian players must excel to achieve titles and here the two teams have been brilliant.

For the Wanderers, Scott Jamieson, Nikolai Topor-Stanley the skipper, Brendon Santalab, a great story and club man, Mitch Nichols, of course, and Mark Bridge. All had outstanding seasons to remember.

And in the red corner, Craig Goodwin finds himself on the verge of international duty, Michael Marrone is one of the best marauding fullbacks, Dylan McGowan has matured and, of course, Bruce Djite has taken the plaudits for a phenomenal comeback from a lean period.

Two superb teams playing fast, intense, attacking football.

Seriously, how can they be split other than through a partisan approach or matters of the heart reserved for the most ardent fan?

For the rest of us, it is even better. None of the stomach-churning nerves of the fan, just an appreciation of two great football teams. And unquestionably a worthy champion.