Following a tough 10-round Limestone Coast Football Association Steeline Premiership Cup season with some COVID-19 chaos thrown in, the fun and games are over as players now must lift their games to perform in the high-pressure environment of finals which kicks off this weekend.
The big question in the senior men’s competition is can anyone stop International’s string of dominance?
Steeline Cup winner Gambier Centrals and challenger Apollo have given the black and blue some of their fiercest contests in recent memory.
However, Inter always seemed to avoid defeat to maintain its stranglehold on the minor premiership and is in the box seat to stride to a fifth straight flag.
Leading the assault is every defender’s nightmare Matt Bueti, who appears cherry ripe to make a big impact in finals after scoring five goals off his own boot last week.
Youngsters Connor Prior and Austin Rossi have ensured their names are some of the first on the team sheet which has plenty of depth despite the loss of Kaleb Gentile.
Inter will be further boosted by the home-pitch advantage at Casadio Park against the Lions, who have proven more than worthy adversaries.
Sam Shoemark has led the scoring assault, while Broc Linden and Lewis March are always ones to watch from the wings.
Unmissable action has occurred every time International and Centrals have stepped onto the pitch to face one another in 2021.
It all started with the Lions roaring to a Steeline Cup triumph before two captivating draws left fans wanting more.
There is only one ticket to the big dance up for grabs and the rivalry should reach new heights.
Apollo must find a way past a stubborn Naracoorte outfit to keep its 2021 dream alive.
James Stephenson’s men will enjoy the occasion on home turf, but are aware the threat of the yellow and black after a hard-fought clash last time out.
Apollo was left frustrated after it could not topple Naracoorte during a 1-1 draw at the same venue three weeks ago.
George Matutuva and Hossian Panahi are Naracoorte’s main men in front of goal, while the side also has a strong defensive unit.
Apollo’s attack is dominated by Sah Sah Wah, who has kicked 15 more goals than anyone else in his team.
Backed by the home crowd the blue and white will start as favourites with happy memories from a similar Steeline Cup fixture against the same side at the same venue.
The inaugural Senior Women’s Steeline LCFA Premiership Cup is also set for a grandstand finish with Inter and Blue Lake United the heavy weights.
The pair appears a class ahead of the field and will wrestle for a grand final berth after Inter pipped the Rangers at the post to snatch the minor premiership.
After controlling the ladder lead for nine of the 10 rounds, Blue Lake United has a score to settle with Adele Wilkinson, Chelsea and Lauren Frost names to watch out for.
But coach Sean Fulton will miss the services of Tanya Frost who received a red card last weekend.
Despite the grand success in the final round, the black and blue still have unfinished business against the Rangers.
The last time these sides met in a knockout clash was the Steeline Cup semi-final at the same venue back in May when Blue Lake United scored a bonkers win.
Since then Inter has been enhanced by the arrival of Tess Andrews from Centrals, while other faces such as April Hockey and Ella Doody have also proven their worth.
Gambier Centrals is the favourite to continue its finals dream in the knockout semi against Millicent.
Millicent just scrapped into the final four following a thrilling win last week where Letitia Izzo was the hero.
The side may still be on cloud9 at kick off, but the Lions have every reason to be confident having won the both 2021 encounters.
