But coach Nathan Irvine knows only strong pressure will give them a chance to topple unbeaten The Riverina Anglican College and end their run of finals losses.

After losing three straight finals to Kildare Catholic College, Mater Dei were beaten 9.4 (58) to 2.4 (16) by TRAC last year, and failed to score a goal in a 77-point belting in last week's final round game.

The good news is Josh Myers and Ed Grigg return to bolster Mater Dei's on-ball brigade after missing the last two matches through concussion protocols, while vice captain Hayden Wooden (ankle) is back in the forward line.

In last year's final TRAC scored five unanswered goals in the first quarter to virtually put the result to bed. Irvine said his side will need to bring the heat from the outside against a TRAC outfit rated arguably the most talented across the board the competition has seen.

"Attack on the ball and ball is one of the things we've been focusing on," Irvine said.

"The challenge was regardless of who was playing (last week), we still needed to be doing the things we've been training for since the beginning. Having guys come in isn't going to change those fundamentals.

"We had a focus on trying to stay positive, that it's only one game and they have a chance to make amends if they can.

"Things have to go our way, but one thing we need to do is bring pressure.

"They're a skilled side and we can't give them time to show that. We need to bring them down to our level, make it a scrap."

TRAC coach Mick Glanvill said the unselfishness of his team has been a key factor in their unbeaten title defence thus far.

Tom Holden will return to the side after missing last week through illness.

"That's probably the strength of the team is they play really well as a team. WE're pretty even across the board," he said.

"They're all unselfish players (up forward) who play their role for the team. They've obviously got some talent too, which helps."

All games at Robertson Oval

1.30pm: Under 15 girls - KCC v MDCC

2.30pm: Open girls - MDCC v TRAC

4pm: Currie Cup - KCC v MDCC

5.30pm: Paul Kelly Cup - Kooringal v Mater Dei (girls) and Lake Albert v Mater Dei (boys)

7pm: Carroll Cup - TRAC v MDCC

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