High-flying Buffs will go into the game as clear favourites – they have already won the minor premiership. 

They also snatched last year’s premiership from Young Guns in a two point victory – it was their first premiership in 22 years. 

The last time the two teams met was in Round 11, when Young Guns were roundly thumped by Buffs in a 15.10-100 to 3.5-23 defeat. 

But the silky Young Guns should not be dismissed. 

Despite the challenges of travelling 600km to Mount Isa for a game, the Young Guns have made it into the grand final three years in a row, but are yet to win it.

Their hoard of supporters are confident the boys can dig deep in the preliminary final this weekend and secure a place in the grand final.

The preliminary final will kick off at the Legend Oval at 1:30pm on Saturday September 8.

Tigers have already secured their place in the Mount Isa AFL grand final on September 15 after triumphing over Buffs in a 13.13.91 to 7.5.47 victory. 

The two teams at the top of the ladder, Buffs and Tigers faced off in the first semi final last Saturday. 

Rovers played their last game of the season after losing to Young Guns in Saturday’s second semi final. Young Guns 13.14.92 d Rovers 6.5.41.

“Excellent effort from the team and officials. Best of luck to the remaining teams in the Mount Isa comp,” Rovers officials wrote on Facebook. 

Just four teams progressed to the semi finals on the weekend after newcomers Dajarra Rhinos were knocked out of the competition in their debut season.

“The scoreline did not reflect the gutsy effort put forward but was consistent with the season gone, a lot of effort mixed with almost no skill,”  team officials wrote on Facebook.

“That being said, the platform has been set for future Dajarra representatives to carry the torch and continue what has been started this year. The club has developed greatly in a short period of time and will continue to do so.”