After beating the Tigers by 16 goals in the AFL Riverina Championship regular season, MCUE had to hold on grimly to become the first team into the decider as their rivals brought a high-pressure game across the court a fortnight ago.

But after surviving the challenge by the skin of their teeth, Hope said her team now has a firsthand account of the level they need to reach, if not better, if they are to back up last year's Riverina League flag.

"They (Tigers) had fantastic intensity from the get go and looking back, even though it was uncomfortable and we only just got over the line, I'm really grateful that they did. They brought that finals level intensity our girls need to match," Hope said.

"The encouraging thing is it probably was our worst team performance of the season, so I know the girls have a lot more in the tank. But they have to start at that level of intensity and maintain it for the game to have their best chance of winning.

"Last time against Tigers we probably went away from how we usually play, so it's about reverting back to what we're good at and trying to capitalise on that."

Hope quashed any suggestion winning a flag in a six-week, six-team league wouldn't mean any less to the victors than previous years.

"Any premiership is a phenomenal achievement and it would feel amazing," Hope said.

"Yes, it's different, but it feels just as hard and just as challenging, and you've still go to win the high pressure games on the day.

"No one in our camp would be questioning if it's legit or not if we get over the line."

Those sentiments were echoed by Tigers coach Olivia Tilyard.

She hopes the team's tough finals run, where they also held off a strong Osborne fightback in the preliminary final, will have them battle-hardened for the decider.

"I think a lot of people are going to say 'this year doesn't count' but for us it definitely will," she said.

"Mango are a really strong team, so to win that would be incredible and definitely one to remember.

"I honestly think it's going to come down to unforced errors and converted shots, as we're both very defensive oriented teams.

"It's really important to play a really neat game and make sure those shots are going in and don't throw stuff away.

"It will come down to the simple things if both teams are playing as hard as we did a couple of weeks ago."

MCUE and Tigers will also meet in the A-reserves grand final.

Under 17s: GGGM v Osborne (8.30am)

C grade: Turvey Park v Wagga Tigers (9.45am)

B grade: Osborne v Turvey Park (11am)

A reserves: MCUE v Tigers (12.20pm)

A grade: MCUE v Tigers (1.40pm)

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