A year ago the Redbacks went into their preliminary final against Navarre undefeated and with an average winning margin of 116 points. But they were beaten by four points by the Grasshoppers, who the following week went on to win the flag.

“We haven’t tried to get too caught up in what happened last year, but there’s no doubt it’s nice to be able to have another go at it,” Carisbrook coach Luke Treacy said.

“There’s no hiding from the disappointment of last year and we haven’t shied away from that, but we didn’t play well on the day.

“But we’ve got here now to give ourselves another shot at it and we’re obviously keen to make the most of it.

“Natte Bealiba is in good form, their best six is as good as any, and they are the side that has got the closest to Navarre this year, so we’re very wary of them.”

In Saturday’s first preliminary final, Navarre takes on Lexton at Princes Park.

After upsetting the unbeaten Carisbrook in last year’s preliminary final, this time it’s the Grasshoppers who are taking in an unblemished 17-0 record.

Meanwhile, in the North Central Football League, Charlton and St Arnaud clash in the preliminary final at Birchip on Saturday.

The ledger this season stands at one-all.

The winner of the preliminary final earns a crack at Wedderburn in next week’s grand final.