by Nicholas Duck
Grand finals. They're where legends are made, stories are written and names are remembered for years to come.
And this weekend a group of Warragul youngsters will be looking to put their own achievements into the annals of Gippsland League history when they aim for a rare feat this Saturday at Morwell Recreation Reserve.
Meanwhile, it will be a South Gippsland Showdown deciding the senior flag as two of the best teams country footy has to offer lock horns one final time in season 2023.
Thirds: Warragul vs Maffra, 10:30am.
History is on the line for a crop of Warragul under 18s players as the red and black look to go back to back.
Having earned their way through to the grand final thanks to a thrilling second semi final win over Traralgon, the Gulls will be facing off against the same grand final opponent as last season in Maffra as they try to win their second consecutive flag.
It's been a whirlwind time for the team, who just a few weeks ago looked set to have to fight their way through an elimination final.
Now, they're just one win away from entering rare air.
The reigning premiers also will be boosted by the return of even more talent from the Gippsland Power program.
Ruckman Lachlan Smith returns to assist fellow big man Liam Finnegan, hard nut Lane Ward will cause plenty of havoc through the middle while the ever-dangerous Jasper Alger is sure to cause plenty of headaches for the Maffra defenders.
Those names return to join a plethora of important names already in the team, including the crafty Heath Jinks and always solid backman Todd Gowans.
Speaking to the strength of the club's under 18s program is the fact that a number of their players have seen senior action this year - albeit largely in part due to the senior side's injury woes.
Despite all that they're going to have to be on their game, given Maffra aren't a side to be taken lightly.
The two teams have met twice this year, both resulting in a win to the away team.
The first saw the Eagles come out on top in a dour affair at Western Park by five points, through some inaccuracy from the Gulls (they kicked a rough 3.12) certainly didn't help their case.
The sequel went a different way, Warragul prevailing by 27 points in a late-season statement win.
Plenty of Gulls players were a part of that fantastic team that brought home to chocolates last year and no doubt they'd love to have the double on their football resume.
But it's going to be those players that weren't part of that success that are likely going to be leading the charge.
Either way, no matter the result, Warragul fans have plenty to look forward to in years to come.
Keep a hold of this crop and there may be clear skies ahead for the Gulls.
Seniors: Wonthaggi vs Leongatha, 2:30pm.
In the seniors the boys from South Gippsland go head to head in a monumental clash that's sure to show off some of the best country footy can offer.
In one corner you have Wonthaggi, who are searching for their elusive maiden Gippsland League premiership.
The Power have been the team to beat, having not lost since round three. That makes it 16 - yes, count it - 16 consecutive wins on their way to a grand final berth.
They don't want for much out at the Power.
With superstar Ryan Sparkes running through the middle, Jack Blair launching them off half back and the likes of Jack Hutchinson and Cooper McInnes up forward, it's hard to see too many gaps in their armour.
In the other corner you have the experience. Leongatha have been here before, many times in fact.
Including this week, they've made each of the past seven grand finals. Truly ludicrous longevity.
A well-drilled unit, it's well worn campaigners like Tom Marriott, Cade Maskell and Aaron Heppell that the green and gold can spur them on to back to back flags.
The Power lead this year's head to head two to one, their most recent win being an impressive 22-point victory in the second semi final two weeks ago.
But things become very different in a grand final.
The Parrots have been here, they know what they're doing. Wonthaggi's last grand final was in 2014, and with them yet to have tasted the ultimate success in the Gippsland League plus their favouritism, the pressure will be on to get things done.
They say diamonds are made under pressure, but plenty of other things crack. So which will it be here? There's only one way to find out.