Finals newcomer Myrtleford is bracing itself for the club's fiercest physical battle in years against an angry Albury in Sunday's sudden death final at Bunton Park.
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Albury produced its worst finals performance since re-emerging as a powerhouse in 2009, falling by 34 points to an inaccurate Wangaratta in Saturday's qualifying final.
The Pies kicked a record-equalling 24 behinds and with 35 scoring shots to 16, the margin could easily have been doubled.
Albury boasts 11 straight campaigns, while this is just the Saints' second since 2006.
Myrtleford is on a high after edging out Wodonga Raiders to claim its first finals win in 13 years.
"You'd expect a lot of heat I reckon," Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp said after the thrilling win over Raiders.
You'd expect a lot of heat I reckon ... they take a lot of pride in their performance.
- Myrtleford's Jake Sharp
"A great club like that, they take a lot of pride in their performance and after a performance like that, I'd expect it to be red-hot."
The Tigers have won seven of the past 10 flags and rightfully earned the reputation as the league's most physical side.
But even though the Saints will be lacking finals experience, they are at least physically capable of withstanding any onslaught.
Myrtleford had 10 players 185cm plus against Raiders, with seven over 190.
Albury also had 10 players 185cm plus against the Pies.
The Saints will be sweating on another big man returning against the Tigers in ruckman Tom McDonagh, who hasn't played since he was helped off in tremendous pain against Lavington on August 17.
"I did some ligament damage in my ankle, I should be right hopefully," McDonagh said after the Saints' win over Raiders.
