Wollongong Olympic and United both expect plenty of fireworks when the rivals go head-to-head on the Premier League's biggest stage on Sunday.
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IPL fans were treated to an enthralling and - at times - heated clash when they met in the major semi-final nearly two weeks ago. It took 120 minutes to decide the winner, with Olympic booking a direct ticket to the big dance, while United had to take the harder route, beating Cringila in last week's preliminary final.
The result sets up a mouth-watering battle when the sides battle again at WIN Stadium, with a premiership on offer for the winner.
Olympic captain Chris Price said he couldn't be surprised if things got heated between the teams on Sunday.
"It's a bit of an unknown. Anything can happen in a grand final, season form goes out the window," Price said.
"It's a one off game, so we'll be putting our best foot forward. We'll be ready for the challenge, whatever comes, and just worry about ourselves.
"But they're a strong team, there's no denying that, as are we. Like any game, you go in respecting your opponents. But it's definitely going to be a challenge, both teams will do everything they possibly can to win."
United captain Danny Lazarevski said there was mutual respect between the two Premier League sides.
"There's a lot of quality lads in that team and a few of the boys know each other," Lazarevski said.
"But there's obviously a rivalry between us too, so both teams want to get the win and get the bragging rights."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
