Sexton's Pigeons had just suffered a 59-point loss to Albury when he was quizzed on who will win next month's grand final.

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"'Wang' are a more consistently strong-bodied side, Albury have got those seasoned campaigners, but they've got a few kids too, 'Wang' don't seem to have too many kids that are light-bodied," he said.

In Wangaratta's last game, against Myrtleford on August 3, it had 14 players from the 2017 grand final win over Albury, with Nick Richards and Daniel Boyle both set to return, possibly this week.

Albury had 13 of last year's premiership side against Yarrawonga on Saturday, but did have five players with under 25 games experience, including debutant Jay Hillary.

However, the Tigers' top-end talent was superb against the Pigeons.

Shaun Daly was his consistent self, Brayden O'Hara provided some bullet-like passes and Chris Hyde kicked a goal from around 50m.

"You've got to respect them (the older players), you can't give them any room," Sexton said.

"Their communication and predictability to each other is enormous, that's why they've been so good."

The Tigers face fifth-placed Wodonga Raiders on Saturday, followed by fourth-placed Myrtleford.

A win against Raiders will almost certainly seal the double chance.