Kolora-Noorat, Merrivale to duel in WDFNL qualifying final

"It's been a long 18 months to be honest for all clubs and for everyone from all walks of life," Walsh said.

"This is something we're really looking forward to now.

"We put a full stop on the home-and-away season and sink our teeth into the next part."

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Sobey expressed a similar sentiment in the lead up to the qualifying-final clash at Mortlake's D.C. Farran Oval on Saturday.

"This has been a very challenging two years for a lot of people and clubs," he said.

"Hopefully we get the opportunity to play finals footy and put smiles on the faces of committee members, supporters and volunteers.

"They do all the hard work.

"To have no season in 2020, I think that's what it's all about."

Melbourne's coronavirus lockdown, which has been extended for two weeks, is adding intrigue to the match.

Kolora-Noorat top-liners Jason Moloney, Ben Fraser and Jacob Mahony are among those who will be unavailable to play because of restrictions.

"Clearly we are a better side with them," Walsh said.

"We're not going to use it as an excuse either."

The Power mentor is backing the side he puts on the park to get the job done.

Walsh isn't just letting things happen around him, he's being proactive.

So in Fraser and Mahony's absence, he rolled a few different faces through the forward line on Saturday against Timboon Demons.

He feels that has created more options even if the Melbourne-based players return.

The Power trounced the Tigers twice this year to the tune of 69 and 42 points.

But Walsh is aware they've improved through 2021.

"We've certainly got a lot respect for Merrivale," he said.

"They play an exciting, fast brand of footy and they look like they're getting better as the year's gone on."

The Power got through unscathed against the Dees.

Sobey said the Tigers played three good quarters during their 120-point victory over Allansford.

He felt they had a lapse in the second term.

The Tigers leader said his troops had learned plenty from their losses to the Power this year.

"We have prided ourselves on playing against those sides," he said.

"They've been really positive learning experiences for the whole group.

"We'll go in as underdogs again, we'll fight tooth and nail to compete."

Sobey said the Power were more polished around the contest last time the two teams met.

A big positive for the Tigers was captain, Jack Gleeson, got through Saturday's match after returning from a shoulder complaint.

"It was good to have him, he's a quality footballer, quality person and quality leader," Sobey said.

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