Wests Scarborough are heaping all the pressure on Associates as the two prepare for this weekend's Pindan Premier Grade final.
Though it's Wests who have had the upperhand in their head-to-head tally this year, with wins in round two and round 11, Associates come into the decider on a hot streak of form.
Wests snuck through to the grand final, edging Nedlands 32-29 but coach Scott Batters said they would need to go up another level to contend with Associates.
“We need to improve on everything; tighten up on defence, play smarter, and dig deep and play our hearts out like last week," he saud.
"Associates are the form team of the competition, the last six weeks they’ve beaten just about everyone, they’re a good all-around team.
"We just need to make sure we do the basics well, hold the ball, concentrate on us and nullify what they do best.”
Associates shocked minor premiers Palmyra on their way to a grand final spot, and are looking to best a side ahead of them on the ladder once more.
Coach Ryan Parkin was quick to deflect his adversary's favouritism tag, realistic about the dangers Wests pose.
“They’ve had lots of success recently, they’re very well placed, they’ve got a very good set piece and fantastic ball skills," he said.
Parkin said he had complete faith in his side to deal with the big stage, after some impressive showings when the heat was on in recent weeks.
"We just need to make sure we’re on top of our nerves and give it our best," he said.
"We’re just starting to hit form, we had to win a number of matches just to qualify, so our side’s adept at handling nerves.”
Wests went 13-5 this season, finishing second on the table with 64 competition points, five behind minor premiers Palmyra.
Associates finished just one win behind on 12-5, with one draw, on 55 points, but had to win four of their last five matches to qualify for the finals, before upsetting the minor premiers last week.
Wests Scarboough take on Associates on Sunday at Tompkins Park, kicking off at 3:30pm AWST, STREAMED LIVE here.
TEAMS
Wests Scarborough
1. Nick McLennan
2. Chris Kiss
3. Baxter King
4. Alec Dravitski
5. Matt O'Brien
6. Brody MacCaskill
7. Kane Koteka
8. Eru Smith-Wano
9. Ryan BUrge
10. Walter Koteka
11. Cody Coe-Baker
12. Louie David
13. Josh Tinomana
14. Jayden de Vorms
15. Brad Lacey
Associates
1. Michael D'Adamo
2. Hamish Clarke
3. Brendan O’Dea
4. Arthur Manuka
5. Lachlan Valentine
6. Michael Hardwick
7. Christopher Gorrie
8. Dean Taylor-Menzies
9. Michael Ninkov
10. Thomas Ingram
11. Japer Warren
12. William Godwin
13. Robert Ingram
14. Ronan Colleran
15. Brendan Owen
