The Warriors – refreshed after a week off for finishing on top of the Warrnambool and District ladder – have bolstered their stocks, bringing back forwards Scott Day and Chris Chambers, as well as defender Lachie Young.

“We are confident. We’ve got ourselves into this position for a reason: we’ve played good footy,” Warriors coach Josh Reichman said.

“But we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Inside, contested footy is one (area) we know we’ve got to be up and about in. Dennington is a tough team – they ask that of you.”

Although the Dogs enter the match knowing they can get the job done on the finals stage, Reichman pointed out the Warriors also have plenty of finals experience, with a handful of players there for the runner-up finish in 2011, while most of the group had played in last year’s elimination and semi-finals.