Mundulla has been the kings of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League recently and hopes to overcome the odds to keep its dynasty alive after a challenging 2021.
The Northern Tigers are looking to score a hat-trick of KNTFL flags and a four-peat of grand final victories following their Limestone Coast Football League success last year.
Unlike previous years the side’s road to the decider has been anything, but smooth.
The club had to find a new engine room after losing three key midfielders over the summer before tackling one of the most competitive KNTFL seasons in modern memory.
But class is permanent, and the Northern Tigers scraped to the minor premiership after edging out Kingston, Padthaway and Keith in a tight showdown.
However, the Lions have proved they are the team to beat in September and gave the reigning premiers a touch up in the semi-finals.
Mundulla coach Nick Davies believes his men head into the big dance as the underdogs.
“We are excited to make it to the big day again and hopefully we can get the job done,” he said.
“We have lost to Padthaway on all three occasions this year, so we have a bit of work to do,
“Their ball movement was really slick in the final and we just could not match them.
“We will be focused on trying to curtail their ball movement as much as we can.”
After losing the likes of Nicholas Gregurke, Tim Mcintyre and Elliot Jaeschke, names such as Jake Mcgrice, Nicholas Mosey have stepped up.
One of the Northern Tigers’ biggest strengths is its versatility in front of goal with James Hinge, William Nankivell, Mcgrice and Reagan Tink all heavy hitters.
Davies said his team has been able to become a more settled outfit as the year progressed.
“The midfield may be a little weaker, but we have extra depth around the outside now in a more even side,” he said.
“It is a pretty settled side and only two players in our side has not won an A Grade premiership, so hopefully that experience gives us an advantage on the day.”
Although Mundulla is yet to win at Padthaway in 2021, Davies said the venue change to the Lions’ den could play into his side’s favour.
“We do not mind playing at Padthaway because it is nice, big and spacious and we tend to play well on big grounds on grand final day,” he said.
“The last few grand finals were on big grounds at South and Penola which we actually prefer to play than our home ground.
“Hopefully we can maintain the ball a bit more.”
Following a low-scoring and bruising preliminary final against Keith, Davies might have to make one change to the starting 18, but confirmed the squad is nearly at full strength to rain on Padthaway’s parade.
