THERE are few players who live and breathe Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes like captain Trent Cohalan.

The Goannas skipper will play his 150th game in Sunday's Riverina Football League grand final but that is the furthest thing from his mind ahead of the showdown with Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka.

"I suppose it makes no real difference if it was now or round one next year," Cohalan said.

"It's good to acknowledge it at this time of year but it's the last thing in my mind.

"Winning is more important at the moment."

Cohalan will experience his first senior grand final on Sunday.

He has stuck solid with MCUE since day one with he and Stace Creasy the only members of the 2004 under 18 premiership team to run out in for the Goannas in Sunday's senior grand final.

"It does mean a fair bit, to play in a grand final at your junior club" he said.

"Others like to go elsewhere to try and chase a flag but it won't mean as much than winning one at your junior club."

The 26-year-old admits the build up to grand final day has not been as full on as he thought.

"The lead up hasn't been what I was expecting," he said.

"I thought it would be more full on that what it was.

"It's been low key, which is good, I think we're handling it all right.

"Fingers crossed the kids don't get overawed on the day, but anyone can I guess."

Cohalan has a long family history at MCUE.

His uncle, Phil Cohalan, coached the Goannas in their last grand final.

All his family has been connected with the club, so Sunday's grand final is a special occasion for Cohalan.

"It means everything, the last grand final we played in was 21 years ago, and uncle Phil coached that team," he said.

"I suppose it's got a little family feel to it with (brother) Trav in the game before, and my cousin Liam in the under 17s.

"I've put a lot of effort into the club, but so has the rest of my family.

"When a lot of people left the club, I was always hanging around.

"It would mean a lot if we could get the win."