After making the step from finalists in their maiden season to grand finalists last year, Tamworth's third grade side are hoping to take the next step when they again vie for grand final glory.
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The Magpies will tackle the [former Inverell Highlander] Joe de Dassel-coached Harbour Knights in the first of Saturday's New England deciders.
"We've gone undefeated this year so we're hoping we can play just as well and the occasion doesn't get to us," breakaway Jacob Shaw said.
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One of several players who were part of the side that was beaten by Glen Innes last year, he said it had been a "great season" for the side the addition of a few more players giving them a bit more depth.
"There's always a good attitude for third grade. A lot of the boys have played a lot of footy together and just enjoy playing footy," he said.
That is really what third grade is all about - having fun and enjoying the social side of the game.
The Magpies have beaten the Knights both times they have met this season, but know they can't afford to take them lightly and Shaw spoke about making sure they go in with the right attitude.
Part of that is maintaining their discipline, with that an area he said they need to be better than they were two weeks ago.
If they can keep their discipline and the ball in their hands, he believes they have the size and the speed to come away with the result.
He is hoping skipper Ben Coombes is right to play.
Coombes wife Hannah was due to give birth on Monday but as of Friday morning, the club hadn't heard anything.
Shaw said the veteran has been playing "some of the best footy he's played".
Halves partner Hamish Heeney has also "been fantastic for a young 18-year old".
He is also hoping Nick Wiseman will "be at his destructive best" after moving from number eight to outside centre.
TEAMS:
Tamworth: 1 Nicholas Bradbery, 2 Adam Wallace, 3 Dilan Bateman, 4 Kelby McLean, 5 Sam Wiseman, 6 Jacob Shaw, 7 Joseph Sidal, 8 Ratu Isikeli Nagagavoka, 9 Hamish Heeney, 10 Benjamin Coombes (C), 11 Brandon Humphries, 12 Michael Pearce, 13 Nicholas Wiseman, 14 Navitalai Ratawake, 15 Billy Urquhart, 16 Emosi Veikoso, 17 Tony Kete, 18 Luke Barnaby, 19 Cassidy Hunter, 20 Joshua McDouall, 21 Viliame Dakuwaqa, 22 Cameron Dagger. Coaches - Phil Cook & Damien Henry
Harbour Knights: 1 Tumma Murray, 2 Grant Atkins, 18 Matthew Joyce, 4 Tom Collins, 5 Liam Cook, 6 Joshua Jago-Dowdy, 7 Benjamin Andrews, 8 Lourens Cloete, 9 Cameron Sweeney (C), 10 Jack Canning, 11 Joe Sewell, 12 Josh Miller, 13 Sean Brett, 14 Luke Pappalardo, 15 Darcy Collins, 3 Pat Hayes, 17 Jack Cummins, 18 Zac Murray, 19 Mariusz Werstak, 20 Harvey Taitumu, 21 Jonathon Paff, 22 Kalani Morris. Coach - Joe de Dassel
