THE Ovens and Murray holds no fears about playing this year's grand final at Wangaratta despite Lavington and Albury being in the box seat to clash in the premiership decider.
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League general manager Sean Barrett said the selection criteria for hosting the grand final had never centred around teams in contention to play-off.
Albury was the only other club to tender for the grand final.
Barrett said the O and M board was thrilled with the official crowd of 7146 people who watched the Tigers edge out Wangaratta at Norm Minns Oval last season.
Gate takings were $57,783.
"The teams who are in contention aren't really part of the assessment program," Barrett said.
"Obviously we have been at Lavington for 25 years and there was just as much chance it could have been Wangaratta or Yarrawonga involved.
"The teams involved are one of seven games involved on the day as well.
"The mix of the teams can have a big result on the crowd size."
While Lavington and Albury are sitting on top of the ladder after nine rounds, Wangaratta is still widely regarded as a genuine flag contender with a host of its top-liners presently on the sidelines.
Barrett said Wangaratta did an exceptional job hosting last season's decider.
"The board was thrilled with the result," he said.
"Wangaratta were fantastic last year involving Magpies and Rovers with the catering.
"We're looking forward to getting back down there again."
