After missing last year's grand final triumph through suspension, Musitano will get his chance 12 months on when he steps out for Hanwood in Sunday's Pascoe Cup grand final at Equex Centre.

Musitano made a comeback for Hanwood last season and was robbed of a grand final appearance by a red card in the club's major semi-final win.

With a suspension hanging over and COVID-19 forcing a shortened season, Musitano was not going to bother playing until a late change of heart.

"I did the pre-season then obviously corona kicked in," Musitano said.

"Once the suspension was served I thought I'd go for a run, and the boys were short, so I sat in one game, which turned into two, then three and now here I am.

"At the end of the day, for me, it's more just the fitness side of things. Playing wise, playing for as long as I have and at the levels I have, it's just reading the game and guiding players. If I can help and guide and help along the way, that's going to be my role. I'm not going to be beating three or four players, like I did years ago."

Musitano did not dwell on missing last year's premiership.

"I was disappointed, I would have loved to have played but obviously I played the whole season so I played a big hand in it and felt apart of it," he said.

"Ultimately for me it's a case of I'm happy to be involved in a grand final.

"I don't get as overwhelmed as probably I used to and that sort of stuff so hopefully I can keep people level headed. I'm happy to be playing in a grand final, I'd like to have another three or four weeks fitness up my sleeve to help me along but I don't think I'm going to get that in the next three or four days."

Musitano may be nearing the end of his playing days but his first two finals proved he still has the ability to impact games.

He's had a hand in all four of Hanwood's goals in finals, including taking the penalty to put his team 2-0 up over Henwood Park last Sunday.

The accomplished striker is no stranger to success. He was part of Hanwood's three straight premierships in the Shepparton-based North Eastern Soccer League (NESL) back in the mid-2000s.

As a teenager he represented Australian schoolboys and went on to play National League for Canberra and Adelaide City.

Musitano says he still gets great enjoyment of playing the game, particularly with his family at Hanwood.

"I've got two nephews there who are playing, it's nice to be able to play with family. That side of it, I'm enjoying," he said.

"I enjoy the young guys and being around with them, if I can help in little ways, even with sessions and stuff, if I can see a kid that is doing something and give him some advice that is going to help his game, that's always pleasing.

"It's a good outlet for me, getting out and having a run so I'm enjoying it."

As for Sunday's grand final against Leeton, Musitano knows titles do not come easy.

He did not play in the 1-1 draw between the two teams earlier in the year but understands Leeton are going to be hard to beat.

"I haven't played against Leeton but I hear a lot of good things," he said.

"Going into the game, they'd be going in as favourites after the result they had against Henwood Park the week before. They picked up a couple of decent young Wagga boys as well.

"I'm expecting a tough game, they're a good side and at this point in time with the results and how they've been playing, they'd have to go in as favourites."

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