HAMILTON Imperials coach Jake Myles says the prospect of creating history will motivate his players throughout finals.
The Bulldogs take on Millicent in a Western Border league elimination final at Mount Gambier's Vansittart Park on Sunday.
The match has added importance for the club as defeat will bring an end to its 49-year association with the Western Border Football League. Imperials and Melville Oval co-tenant Hamilton will merge and compete in the Hampden league next season.
Hamilton finished the season in seventh and missed finals, meaning Imperials will carry the town's premiership hopes during September.
Myles said the playing group had discussed the possibility of winning a premiership in the Bulldogs' final WBFL season.
But he refused to let flag dreams mask the tough road the club has to make a grand final from fifth spot.
"We have spoken about that, creating our own history," he said yesterday.
"But in saying that, we're in an elimination final, it can all change on Sunday.
"We've got to get the job done this week, we know it's going to be a tough assignment against Millicent. We've got to take it one game at a time from here on in."
Imperials and Millicent have split the honours in their two home-and-away season matches, with the away team winning both times.
But Myles said he was buoyed by a 6-2 record in the second half of the season, which included a win against minor premier North Gambier.
"All we know is we can match it with everyone, there is a bit of belief there if we play our best footy no-one is unbeatable," he said.
"We've got to do the basics right and if we do that we know we'll be in the contest.
"We're in a bit of form."
Imperials last played finals in 2009 and reached the grand final in 2008.
Their last premiership victory came in 2001 and an unlikely flag this season would break an 11-year drought.
Elsewhere, Portland will take on South Gambier in the qualifying final at Casterton's Island Park today.
The Tigers took the points in both matches, including a one-point thriller in round 10 after a five-goals-to-two last term.
afawkes@standard.fairfax.com.au
