While the Bulldogs have been the clear-cut best side in the competition throughout the home-and-away season, the Mounts have proved themselves to be big-game players, going undefeated through the finals so far.
Looking at its home-and-away record, Mt Pleasant lost three games throughout the season — two close encounters with Colbinabbin and Huntly, while being handily defeated by North Bendigo in round five.
The Mounts got their revenge on the Bulldogs in round 14 by the skin of their teeth before emerging victorious in the qualifying final with the head-to-head record in their favour (2-1).
Not only has Mt Pleasant’s senior side qualified for the decider, but the reserves unit will also go for gold on Saturday — against, you guessed it, North Bendigo.
Mt Pleasant senior coach Cam Carter looked ahead to the clash and reviewed the season so far for the Mounts.
“We are happy to have the seniors and reserves in the grand final, we think the back half of the season and run into finals has gone well,” he said.
“We know we’re coming up against a North Bendigo side that are in the same boat, they finished top of the ladder in all three grades so it’ll be a tough contest.
“The week off has been beneficial for us, we had a training run on Saturday morning to freshen a few bodies up.”
Carter highlighted the excited atmosphere around the club, with multiple teams vying for the flag, and while he’s confident his side can get it done, he knows the challenge his players face.
“There’s certainly a positive vibe, the whole club is in a good spot and feeling confident, we’ve got plenty of teams in the grand final across football and netball,” he said.
“It's a who’s who of talent in that North Bendigo side, they’ve got really quality players, premiership players who stand up in big moments.
“We know it’s going to be a tough-fought contest, and hopefully, we can get the better of them as the day unfolds.
“We are certainly confident, once you get to the day, there’s belief, we definitely won’t die wondering.”
The senior football grand final will take place at Strauch Reserve on Saturday, September 13, with the first bounce scheduled for 2.20pm.
