But Charles Sturt University coach, Kirsty Lowe, is crystal clear about what's driving her side in Saturday's A Grade grand final against The Rock-Yerong Creek.

A question about the pain of last year's loss to the Magpies is still being asked when she's onto it.

"Yeah. The fire is there. The fire in the belly is there to get that win this year," Lowe says.

"It was devastating. Especially being minor premiers, going into the semis really confident and then being defeated in that grand final. But being my first year as coach, I was just proud of the girls just for getting to the grand final so anything after that is an absolute bonus."

The Magpies claimed back-to-back premierships last year. They've backed it up with an unbeaten home-and-away season this year as they set course for an historic hat-trick of flags.

CSU's only two losses all year were against the reigning premiers. But they became the first team to beat TRYC all season when they sprang an upset in the second semi-final.

Lowe said it was an important win ahead of a premiership decider.

"A lot of confidence," Lowe said.

"We've had confidence during the season. We've been ahead at stages during the games (against TRYC), but towards the end, we'd let The Rock get all over us. So (the win) has given us that little bit of extra confidence."

But the 'Pies didn't panic about the prospect of an unbeaten season disappearing.

TRYC coach Sarah O'Leary says three straight titles is the record they've been set on.

"We had three weeks off pretty much (before the semi-final) because we had the bye in the last round and it definitely affected us," O'Leary said.

"We tried to pretend it wasn't going to and I didn't think a loss is a bad thing for us. I don't think we really cope with being top dogs so I think having that loss definitely level-headed us and made us realise that CSU are a really good team and they will bring it to us."

O'Leary swapped roles with sister Emily this year, handing up the captaincy and taking over as coach.

She said playing and coaching took some getting used to but she's enjoyed the role. And there's no mistaking what it would mean to be the first team to win three straight.

"It's a huge, huge deal to us to get three flags in a row," O'Leary said.

She said a strong start is key, after they were down by seven goals at quarter-time in the semi-final. But she won't be building up the pressure on her players, instead backing that they know how to get the job done.

O'Leary confirmed Ella Finemore will start in defence for TRYC, for added height in the circle as they try to limit the impact of CSU's attack, led by Kelsey Hanlon.

Lowe can see why. She agrees that how well each team can nullify the opposition's shooters will likely decide the game.

"I think it's one of our big strengths and will get us over the line, our accuracy and our shooting and that's for The Rock as well," Lowe said.

"I think it's going to be a shooters' game and getting our defence in those shooters' faces and stopping those goals coming in (is going to be critical)."

CSU's last premiership was in 2016, when the Bushsows, including Lowe, upset a North Wagga side including O'Leary.

Lowe said, despite the desperate desire to get back to the top, the best advice she'll give her plays isn't about the result.

"Just have fun, enjoy the moment. We've got quite a few new players to the team and a few haven't experienced grand finals before. It's just get out there, do your job, do your role, work as a team and enjoy it," Lowe said.

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