But skipper Brad Galvin says his side won’t roll over and show their bellies on Football Wagga’s biggest stage.

Galvin has ridden Young’s roller coaster year and served as Duncan Cameron’s vice captain before stepping up to the plate in his absence, leading the Lions through a brutal elimination final against Leeton and last weekend’s semi final victory over defending premiers Henwood Park.

Now, the 27-year-old will take a ‘no holds barred’ approach to the Lions’ miracle grand final appearance.

“We had a pretty long season last year and to turn it around this year’s been awesome,” Galvin said.

“We’ve been getting better and better and then we’ve just gone off the last two weeks.

“It’s been amazing to see us step up and match it with the best in the competition, especially in that win over Henwood Park, so we’ll just go out in the grand final and have a bit of fun.”

Young will enter the contest as rank underdogs despite having conceded just one goal in two games against Lake Albert this season.

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw in their last encounter but Lake Albert have the mental edge following their 1-0 win at the start of the season.

Galvin is backing his side to play with “no expectations”. 

”We’ve gone alright against them but Lake Albert haven’t lost all year and we know they’ll be tough again here.”

“We’re a pretty defensive side and that’s worked a bit when we’ve played them but they’ve also got the best attack and the best defence in the competition.”

Galvin and fellow defenders Jake Burns, Frazer Burns and Jordan Callaghan will have their hands full containing red-hot Sharks trio Fred Gardner, Nick Anderson and Henri Gardner but the centre back is tipping his own forwards to shine on grand final day.

“Our attack hasn’t switched on too often this season but it has when it’s really needed to.

“We'll just try for one or two early goals and see how it goes.”

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