Four of the non-participating Farrer League coaches have tipped North Wagga to break their 24-year premiership drought with a win over Marrar.

All the coaches agree on one thing, they believe it will be a close grand final and have all tipped margins of four goals or under.

It has been a tough year for North Wagga, who lost ruckman Josh Hanlon to illness midway through the season.

Hanlon’s recovery since has been one of courage and inspiration and a couple of coaches believe his story will be enough to carry the Saints over the line.

Outgoing Northern Jets coach Mitch Robinson is a subscriber to that theory but expects a grand final thriller.

“They will have a lot of emotional motivation driving them to win,” Robinson said.

“They have fielded the most consistent team on the paddock all year, whereas Marrar hasn’t had the same consistency with the likes of (Curtis) Allen, (Fred) Sleeth, (Brad) Langtry only playing less than half the season.

“The strong bond at North Wagga will get them over the line in a thriller.”

Coleambally co-coach Mitch Carroll knows a number of the Saints players well and backs Kirk Hamblin and his men to get the job done.

“North Wagga have got plenty to play for this season and the club has been working towards this day for a number of years under coach Kirk Hamblin’s leadership,” Carroll said.

Outgoing Barellan coach Will Overs and The Rock-Yerong Creek mentor Tom Yates are also in the Saints’ camp.

“North Wagga will win if they can win the contested ball,” Yates said.

Charles Sturt University coach Pat Noonan also believes emotion will play a part but has tipped the Bombers to go back-to-back.

“Marrar has had the week off which will aid their efforts with the grand final,” Noonan said.

“They are a team with plenty of finals experience and they know what needs to be done to achieve the goal.

“There has been a lot of emotion and club pride this year with the club centenary.”

East Wagga-Kooringal coach Matt Hard and Temora’s Jake Wooden have also backed the Bombers.

“I think Marrar will have too much fire power up front, beating them in the last two games gives them great confidence,” Hard said.

“North Wagga will be in it up to their eye balls but may just fall short.”

North Wagga midfielder-forward Lachlan Highfield was the most popular selection for best-on-ground.

Pat Noonan (CSU)

Marrar by 24

BOG: Callum Gardner (Marrar)

Mitch Carroll (Coleambally)

North Wagga by 8

BOG: Lachlan Highfield (North Wagga)

Will Overs (Barellan)

North Wagga by 12

BOG: Daniel Jordan (North Wagga)

Matt Hard (EWK)

Marrar by 10

BOG: Brad Turner (Marrar)

Tom Yates (TRYC)

North Wagga by 6

BOG: Lachlan Highfield (Marrar)

Mitch Robinson (Northern Jets)

North Wagga by 6

BOG: Ned Mortimer (North Wagga)

Jake Wooden (Temora)

Marrar by 22

BOG: Jacob May (North Wagga)