Outgoing Koroit coach Adam Dowie is aiming to add a sixth Hampden league flag to his envious resume when the Saints tackle North Warrnambool Eagles at Reid Oval on Saturday.

“We have a lot of guys who have played in winning grand finals as well as losing ones, so they know the contrast,” he said.

“What it comes back to is what motivates you – fear of failure or success.

“I know the fear of failure motivates me more than winning. You don’t want to be sitting there at 5.30pm having not won a grand final.”

Dowie said the Saints rated the Eagles – the best offensive team in the competition – highly.

But the esteemed leader is backing his charges to put their vast September experience to good use against the first-time grand finalist.

“They (the Eagles) are striving to create history for themselves but don’t underestimate the motivation of the Koroit guys,” Dowie said.

“I reckon we go in as underdog and that sits pretty well with us.

“We have had to play right through the finals series and North Warrnambool has had two weeks off now.

“Sometimes that works for you and sometimes it doesn’t.”

Second-year Eagles co-coach Graeme Twaddle believes their strong blend of attack and defence – they’re also ranked second for points against – will hold them in good stead.

“Internally it (our defence) is not underrated – we certainly know we have a solid back six and they are a tight-knit group,” he said.

“They get plenty of accolades within our four walls. They can play a variety of different positions – a lot of the boys play tall and small.

“They are quite good at shuffling around. We don’t have to send messages from the bench – they will find the right match up if Koroit throws something curly at us.”