This is a repeat of last year’s final which Dragons won in clinical fashion, but Bulls have grown in confidence and look a more organised and disciplined unit since this time 12 months ago.
If bragging rights are anything to go by, the Bulls beat the Dragons by 35 points in October, but since then both teams have looked utterly dominant in their respective matches in the competition.
For the Dragons, Matt Burn, Will Cox and Mark Nancarrow epitomise their voracious work-rate and determination, with the totemic Ryan Perkins pulling the strings up front.
Dragons coach Rich Wharton is relishing the prospect of facing the Bulls in a third straight final, and said: “We’re super excited and know that it’s going to be a very tough game. It will be another huge challenge for us.
“To be honest, that loss to the Bulls in the first round stung us a bit and it forced us to re-focus and correct some basics. The playing list hasn’t really changed but no doubt we’ve improved a lot since then.
“Like all teams we’ve had our challenges with injuries over the season, but that’s allowed us to bring in new players and try some new things.”
This should be an enthralling game, with midfielders Joe Yodgee and Jack Egan sure to be a colossal presence for the in-form Bulls.
In many ways they have looked flawless since losing in the pre-season cup in October, winning their four games to finish the league campaign unbeaten.
Much of the tactical nous comes from Nick Burchell, who is considered the best ruckman in the competition.
“After a frustrating preseason cup loss, we realised that we would need to work even harder this year. Our work rate at training’s significantly increased which resulted in an undefeated regular season,” said team manager Andrew Walters.
“We are confident that our preparation for this game over the last six months has put us in a great position to go one step further and win the cup. We are really looking forward to renewing our rivalry with the Dragons after the frustration of losing the last two finals.”
