RIVAL coaches rate Thurgoona a raging favourite against Barnawartha in today's grand final at Sandy Creek.
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Nine out of 10 coaches predict the Bulldogs to win by at least four goals.
Only Wodonga Saints co-coach Gerard Midson is tipping a Tiger upset.
Thurgoona coach Brett Doswell said the Bulldogs had earned their favourite tag after they inflicted 71, 65 and 31 points against the Tigers so far this season.
"Obviously everyone has rated us as the favourites all year so it's no shock most of the coaches are tipping us," Doswell said.
"But the favourites tag means nothing in a grand final - you still have to get the job done.
"Barnawartha are a quality side and won't be lacking any hunger.
"Both sides are fully aware they will have to be at their best.
"Hopefully our best is better than their best."
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The Bulldogs boast plenty of recent grand final experience after going back-to-back in 2016-17.
They also finished runner-up last year.
In contrast the Tigers most recent flag in 2013 was their last grand final appearance.
Doswell crossed to the kennel after spending the majority of his career at Wodonga and Holbrook.
The skillful midfielder has only ever previously won one flag with Wagga Tigers in 2001 as a teenager.
He also was the hard-luck story of Holbrook's 2013 grand final defeat against Brock-Burrum.
Doswell lasted less than a minute in the decider after he hurt his leg when being tackled at the opening bounce.
"I've been around long enough to know you have to grab these opportunities with both hands when they present themselves," he said.
"I've only ever played in three grand finals before.
"I got one early at Wagga Tigers and played in a losing grand final in the SANFL in the mid 2000's.
"Then I lasted 30 seconds with Holbrook in 2013.
"I played in three losing preliminary finals at Wodonga as well, so it's obviously been a while since I won one."
Doswell was an interested onlooker at last week's preliminary final between Barnawartha and Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
He said the Bulldogs wouldn't fall into the trap of underestimating the opposition.
"They looked to be somewhere back to near their best," he said.
"We are aware they were carrying some sore bodies into the second semi-final against us a fortnight ago.
"But they looked a lot fitter and fresher on the weekend.
"We haven't played them at full-strength all season.
"All of our guys know they have a job to do and if they don't do it we won't win."