Since 2010: North Bendigo 8; Leitchville-Gunbower 2.

Last final: Never met.

This season's meetings:

Round 8: North Bendigo 16.18 (114) d Leitchville-Gunbower 5.8 (38).

Round 17: North Bendigo 12.14 (86) d Leitchville-Gunbower 4.14 (38).

NORTH Bendigo and Leitchville-Gunbower will face off for the first berth in the Heathcote District Football League grand final on Saturday.

The Bulldogs and Bombers lock horns in the second semi-final at White Hills.

The Bulldogs topped the HDFL ladder with a 15-1 record and enjoyed a well-earned rest last week, having played eight games straight.

While the Bulldogs rested up last week, the Bombers played a gruelling extra-time qualifying final against Lockington-Bamawm United, winning by one goal.

The Bulldogs comfortably won both home and away meetings with Leitchville-Gunbower, with the Bombers kicking just eight goals combined in the two clashes.

However, as the Bombers showed last week against the Cats - who they had never beaten before in 10 attempts - finals are a whole new ball game.

COACHES COMMENTS:

Rob Bennett (North Bendigo) - “We’ve worked hard to get ourselves into this position and now it’s all about making the most of it.

“Having last week off was what we needed. Having not had the bye since the start of the second half of the season, last week gave everyone a chance to freshen up and get any little niggles seen to and we’ll be right to go.”

Marty Shadbolt (Leitchville-Gunbower) - “There’s obviously a few sore bodies after what was a tough game last week.

“But we’ve given ourselves an opportunity this week against North Bendigo and we need to make sure we front up with the right frame of mind and give it a real crack.

“Last week gave the boys a lot of belief that if we can play our best footy we’re capable of mixing it with anyone.

“North has obviously been the form side of the year, but we need to absorb their pressure and use the ball well.”

TALE OF THE TAPE

NORTH BENDIGO

Won: 15 Lost: 1

Average for: 116.1 Against: 60.4.

Quarters won: 47/64.

LEITCHVILLE-GUNBOWER

Won: 13 Lost: 4

Average for: 97.2 Against: 64.1

Quarters won: 44/68

SELECTIONS:

Adam Bourke - North Bendigo (28)

Luke West - North Bendigo (36)

Nathan Dole - North Bendigo (20)

Kristen Alebakis - North Bendigo (24)

HDFL Harry - North Bendigo (15)