Burnie are hot favourites to take out the TRU Championship title this weekend but face their toughest challenge yet in the form of reigning premiers Launceston.
The Emus have gone undefeated through the regular Division 2 men's season and enter Saturday's grand final at Devonport's Don Recreation Oval as deserving favourites.
However the Tigers have hit form at the right time in 2023, winning their past four games, and held Burnie to a 31-all draw back in Round 5.
"We're quietly confident with our Reserve Grade boys heading into this weekend," Launceston club president Tua Agaiava said.
"We've had a few seniors boys out with injury through the year so some of our Reserve players have had the chance to play up in First Grade and they'll bring that experience back with them."
Saturday also marks the end of the regular TRU Premiership season with all eyes on the Devonport-Burnie "Coastal Clash" to be played immediately after the Championship final.
While both sides have already qualified for finals, whoever takes out the upcoming "Clash" will almost certainly sew up third spot and minor semi-final hosting rights.
Launceston are widely tipped to retain top spot with Taroona needing a bonus-point win over University in Sandy Bay and Glenorchy to upset the Tigers at Royal Park for any chance of snagging the minor premiership and a home major semi-final berth.
University's hopes of ending their 90th anniversary season on a high took a blow with skipper Henry Davis ruled out through injury while Hobart Harlequins will look to end their own milestone year on a high against the in-form Hobart Lions at Rugby Park.
