Ararat have had the wood over Stawell in previous years, and despite Stawell going in as the underdog, a win for Ararat is far from guaranteed.

Coach Brad Thomas knows what his team is capable of, but understands they will need to play some of their best football if they are to upset the Rats.

“The most dangerous thing in football is a kid playing with confidence,” Thomas said.

“We have a lot of confidence at the minute after a strong finish to the regular season. We are up and about and we have nothing to lose.”

Both teams will look to set the tone early with finals games always a step up in physicality and intensity.

While the game could become congested in the middle of the ground, Thomas thinks that is where the battle needs to be won.

“You can win or lose games in the middle of the ground,” Thomas said.

“If our inside game isn't on and we don't use the ball well, we will have no chance.”

Warriors had the tough decision of making changes before their finals match despite the winning record over the past month.

Jackson Taurau will come back into the side as will Naish McRoberts.

McRoberts was a livewire early in the season, but suffered an ankle injury which left him sidelined for six weeks. 

He returned through the juniors last weekend and was able to kick five goals to be recalled to the senior line up.

Warriors will go out with a positive vibe knowing that whatever the result will be, the finals experience will hold them in good stead for the season to come.

Thomas is one of just a handful of players who has senior finals experience under his belt.

Warriors as a club are looking forward to their finals campaign with all football teams featuring and the under 13s, 15 B grade, 17s, C and B grade netball teams all making the cut.

Thomas is hopeful of seeing many Stawell Warriors supporters wearing their red and black colours proudly on Sunday.

The game is scheduled to start at 2.20pm at Horsham.