Terang Mortlake, after two narrow losses to the Blues this season, are out to grab a psychological advantage heading into the finals while Warrnambool can claim the minor premiership.

But those thinking they will get an insight into a possible grand final match-up are unlikely to come away with definitive answers as to how such a game would be decided with both unlikely to declare their hands yet.

Blues coach Adam Dowie said the Bloods were "probably due" to win after his side had won the pair's past four encounters.

"I'm the eternal pessimist and if we win on the weekend we lock away top spot," he said.

"We are not looking too far ahead but as you wrote the other day we have a pretty tough draw. Even though we are two-and-a-half games clear, if we get over the line we know we are going to get a week off and we can start experimenting a bit more than other sides and sacrifice a couple of things for short-term pain for long-term gain."

Dowie said his side had been in "pretty good form" and was looking forward to the challenge.

"The guys they have coming back, Staunton, Tom McKenzie and Pat Haffernan are all interleague players, they are going to be very competitive. We know they hate Warrnambool, it will be a rael test."

Bloods coach Damian O'Connor made no secrets about his plans today.

"We've got a few out and they have a few out, we are not going to show all our cards," he said.

"We want to win but we won't give too much away."

He said the club's social rooms were buzzing on Thursday in anticipation.

O'Connor said his side was keen to turn the tables after losses by one-point in round one and 10 in round eight.

"If we have a win especially with the key players out it will defeinitely give us an edge going into the finals. The amount of pressure on Warrnambool going into the finals without getting beaten would be enormous. But we want to win."

Both coaches believed the midfield would be the key to today's result.

O'Connor said he expected another tight contest in the middle of the ground with both teams having a big emphasis on pressuring the ball-carrier.

He said the Bloods had worked hard to improve their midfield defence - an area Warrnambool has been leading the competition in.