It appears a David versus Goliath match-up, with the Tigers winning their past three encounters at Legend Oval by an average of 104 points.

But Tigers coach Craig Brice knows that means little in a grand final qualifier.

“We have had the wood on Rovers in the past couple of matches, but we won’t be taking them lightly,” he said.

“Rovers proved last Saturday against Buffs that they are the finals specialists.”

Brice said his side was disappointed to lose automatic entry in the grand final against Lake Nash last weekend, but have taken positives from the match.

“Although we didn’t stick to our game plan for most of the match, we did win the fourth quarter, so that’s something to build on,” he said.

The whole Tigers side admits it would have been nice to go straight into the decider but know the benefits of playing this week.

“I’ve seen teams that have the weekend off go into the grand final fresh but I have also seen teams go in flat too,” Brice said. “We will use this to our advantage, fine-tuning a couple of things at training this week.”

“If we can win the match and get through without any injuries, we are probably in a better position than Lake Nash.”

Brice has taken responsibility for the loss, as has his 22 players, but that hasn’t stopped him making a couple of changes this week.

“We will be aiming to play a faster-paced game this weekend, so some of our quicker players will get a run,” he said.

Rovers coach Jamie McPherson, who will serve his second game of his six-game suspension on Saturday, says his team has nothing to lose.

“Tigers deservedly go into the match as favourites, which suits us just fine, meaning all the pressure will be on them,” McPherson said. “I know my boys will give their all on Saturday and show the true Rovers spirit, which we showed against the Buffs last weekend.”

“Whatever happens, I’ll be proud of the boys and that’s all you can ask.”

The grand final qualifier’s first bounce will be from 1pm at Legend Oval.