Coolamon midfielder Max Hillier believes the hurt of missing last year's finals series is still burning deep inside a number of Hoppers ahead of Saturday's second semi-final.
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The Hoppers have been one of the success stories of the season, climbing from sixth spot last year to finish as minor premiers.
Ahead of Saturday's second semi-final against Griffith at Narrandera Sportsground, Hillier revealed last year's disappointment is a driving force behind this year's campaign.
"After just missing out on finals last year by one game, we were striving to go one step better this year and we've obviously done that," Hillier said.
"We worked pretty hard through the pre-season to get to where we are now.
"The vibe this year has been a little bit better. We've been striving to go that little bit further after we missed out last year.
"There's a fair bit of hunger there."
Coolamon grabbed the minor premiership with a final round win over Leeton-Whitton.
Wagga Tigers' slip up against Griffith on the same day opened the door for the Hoppers to return to top spot.
Hillier, in just his second season at Coolamon, has noticed the intensity lift a couple of notches since the final round win.
"You can feel the vibe around the club change, it's getting a bit more intense," he said.
"It's good. Heading into September, you always want to be up and about."
Hillier, 21, has not seen a great deal of September action during his short but busy career.
He played in a losing final back at Cardiff in the Black Diamond League in Newcastle, and also played in a losing final in his one season at Wodonga Raiders.
Hillier is looking forward to a big finals campaign.
"I've played a little bit of finals, not a lot," he said.
"I'm feeling pretty good actually. It should be a good contest (this Saturday) I think. I watched Griffith last weekend and they were pretty red hot against Tigers.
"I'm really excited to get out there and hopefully get a win."
Coolamon will be looking for its first finals victory since 2014.
To achieve that, they will have to defeat a Griffith team coming in off back-to-back victories over Wagga Tigers, and a win against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes the week before that.
Hillier knows it won't be an easy feat.
"I expect them to be red hot," he said.
"They've got a few good players there with the Conlan boys up forward, Guy Orton down back and Jordan Iudica in the middle.
"I dare say they will be red hot again. They were red hot last weekend and just did all the little things right."
Coolamon and Griffith have enjoyed one win each over the other this season.
The Swans won at home at Exies Oval in May by 21 points before the Hoppers got one back with a 39-point win at Kindra Park in July.
Hillier believes if Coolamon can stick to what they do best, they are confident of moving straight through to the Riverina League grand final.
"We've just got to stick to our normal game plan," he said.
"Run and carry, use the footy well and get it into our forwards. If we do those things, we should be able to come out on top."
Hillier has enjoyed a strong second season at Kindra Park. He has been named in the Hoppers' best on nine occasions from 15 games, the equal of any other player in the team, and has also chimed in with 13 goals.
He has been used on a wing, up forward and on-ball and has enjoyed the opportunities that have come his way.
"I've enjoyed playing on a wing and the midfield. You get that bit of run and space," he said.
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