Traditionally one of the strongest clubs in the competition, the Hawks missed finals in Buik’s absence last season but have since returned to the decider off the back of a convincing minor premiership.

Buik knows the art of winning titles better than most after presiding over a six-year hot streak with the Hawks, however, the veteran coach says his team will still enter this weekend’s contest as underdogs.

“We didn’t make the grand final last year, so we’re the new side that’s got to come in and prove ourselves against Tolland this weekend,” Buik said.

The Wolves and Hawks will enter the grand final with a hint of the unknown after playing out three conflicting results over the course of the regular season.

Henwood Park handed Tolland an 11-0 drubbing in their opening game but went on to lose the following fixtures 6-5 and 4-0 respectively.

Buik said the return of quality players like Bernadette Blake had boosted the Wolves but pointed to his own absences during their last encounter.

“I think those players like Bernie were always going to be back in that side this season,” Buik said.

“We were missing players during the last time we played them as well … and some of our players haven’t even had a game against Tolland this year, so it’ll be interesting to see how they go.

“We’re very lucky that we’ve got an entire squad at our disposal this weekend and as I’ve said before, anything can happen in a grand final.”

The Hawks will nevertheless take confidence into Sunday’s decider with a quality crop of players set to start.

Madeline Harris and Claudia Fallon were named in the 2018 Leonard Cup Team of the Year while Charlee McPherson, Bronte Buik, and the competition’s leading goal scorer, Brooke Gayler, have the skills to open up their rivals defence.

Henwood Park have also benefited from the addition of Pat Cirillo, who has joined the Hawks this season after previously coaching in Griffith.

Cirillo has worked closely with Buik throughout the year while daughter Marie has also been influential in the Leonard Cup side.

“Henwood Park’s a good club and they’ve been very welcoming. Hopefully we can go well on the weekend,” Cirillo said.

The decider between Henwood Park and Tolland kicks off at Equex Centre on Sunday at 1.20pm. 

While you’re with us, did you know that The Daily Advertiser is now offering sports and local events as part of its growing email newsletter service? Our sports email will keep the sports-mad up-to-date with a round-up of all the weekend’s sports action - sign up here.