For the second time in a fortnight, Barnawartha will take on reigning Tallangatta league premiers Thurgoona, but being the preliminary final, the stakes are higher.

Barnawartha coach Peter Cook’s potency up forward will be a huge factor as the Tigers look to respond from a tight loss to Kiewa-Sandy Creek in last weekend’s second semi-final and book their place in the decider.

KSC booted four goals in the last six minutes to snatch a thrilling victory.

Barnawartha’s accuracy in front of goal against Thurgoona in that previous meeting was a sight to behold, finishing with 17.2 (104), to edge out the wayward Bulldogs 14.16 (100).

Cook has eight goals in his two visits to Sandy Creek this finals series.

In other grades, Tallangatta meets Yackandandah in the reserves, Tallangatta takes on KSC in the under 17s, while the under 14s will see Barnawartha and Rutherglen do battle.