But now they've got to play some football, Maiden has been pleased with how his team has progressed through the shortened season.

The Tigers had a shaky start, losing to newcomers Osborne in round one after a less than ideal build-up which saw gun recruits Jake Gaynor and Shaun Campbell barred from playing due to COVID screening protocols.

And they were on the verge of slipping to 0-2 in the six-week season when down by four goals midway through the last term against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, before a flurry of Luke Gestier goals sparked a one-point win.

Ever since they've stamped themselves as one of the main chances after going unbeaten since the opening day, including a three-point major semi win over grand final opponents Leeton-Whitton.

Maiden said the feeling if they win on Saturday may feel a little different to last year, where they held the trophy aloft after a traditional full season.

But it won't detract from the achievement should they go back-to-back.

"It would feel a little bit different I suppose, but when you're in a competition and you get to the end of it you want to win it," he said.

"From that regard your mindset doesn't change, you want to prepare properly and give yourself the best chance to win, but obviously it is a little bit different.

"There's no easy games this year, you had to be playing decent footy every week and from a spectator's perspective they've been pretty lucky to see some good footy this year.

"Even though the season has been short, a lot of people have commented on how good the footy has been to watch. It's been good to see some extra good players come across from other leagues and play in the area."

The seniors decider is part of a massive day for the club at Robertson Oval, with the Tigers netballers also looking for a fourth flag in five years against unbeaten MCUE.

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