The Warriors will take on Merrivale in the first semi-final at Allansford Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Barker played in all three grand finals and was named his team's best player in the 2016 decider against Nirranda.

READ MORE:

He is optimistic his group can go one further this season.

"Each year is a different year, we've still been very successful with the amount of wins and finals wins we've been lucky to have," he said.

"We just haven't been able to jump that last bar but this year is a whole new year.

"We've put together a really good side at the right time of year, we've got people playing well and it's hard to pick a senior side."

The Warriors bring back former coach and utility Josh Reichman this week.

Playing coach Nick Sheehan said Tim Lewis was stiff to miss out.

Sheehan's side is coming off a thumping 73-point win over Panmure in Sunday's elimination final.

Barker was named second best for his team after the win.

The half-back, onballer said it was exciting to play finals.

"You always do try and go up a peg come finals time," he said.

Barker's next assignment is Merrivale.

The Tigers are coming off a 24-point qualifying final loss to Nirranda.

Old Collegians and Merrivale have only met once this season with the Warriors taking a 39-point victory in round three.

The Tigers raced to a 21-point quarter-time lead before the Warriors reeled them in.

Barker was also among his team's best that day and contributed two goals.

"You do take confidence out of having a win," he said.

"They've picked up a few but so have we.

"Definitely rolling into Sunday very confident that we can put a good side on the park that will win.

"But we know it's never going to be a walk in the park."

Since that round three encounter, Merrivale has picked up boom recruits Blair McCutcheon, Tate Porter and Jalen Porter.

Barker is expecting a big test from the opening siren.

"The start on Sunday will be key, we don't want to let them get their tails up, we know they can score quickly," he said.

The experienced Warrior said his side had been working on its starts throughout the season.

Old Collegians got a hold of the Bulldogs in the first quarter on Sunday, taking a three-goal lead into the first break.

It's a big Sunday coming up for Merrivale and Old Collegians because the senior football teams and A grade netball sides are facing off.

Barker said that added a bit of extra buzz to the semi-finals.

"Yeah definitely, we're pretty thick up here that it's the footballers and the netballers all together," he said.

The Warriors veteran, who has played 16 matches and kicked 11 goals this season, has enjoyed longevity in the game.

He has barely missed a beat since the beginning of the 2014 season with 20 matches last year, 18 in 2017, 20 in 2016, 18 in 2015 and 19 in 2014.

Barker said he just tried to rock up to pre-season in good nick.

"I don't do anything too special," he said.

"My sister is a masseuse so I'm lucky to get a few free massages off her every now and again to keep me going."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.