It’s often the trend of an eventual premier.
So surely such a phrase is applicable when talking about Echuca United’s under-14 side.
“Their confidence is just building each game that they play,” Eagles coach Jason Scott said about his side.
“The majority of the team have played together since under-10s, so they've played a lot of football together, and I think that it's really just culminating into this season.”
Scott’s young charges have done exactly that — charged — into Saturday’s Murray Football League decider.
The Eagles finished fifth, a position often not associated with a grand finalist.
But they have pulled off an impression akin to the 2016 Western Bulldogs, winning three straight finals games to reach the big dance.
Moama was first cast aside by 89 points before Deniliquin and minor premier Cobram were preyed upon by the Eagles.
Scott’s team now has Finley in its sights.
“I believe that we match up very well with them,” he said.
“We've both got those half a dozen top-end talented guys, and then the other kids match up really well against each other.
“It'll be another good tussle, that's for sure.”
Those attending should certainly expect a close one.
The sides first played out a draw in round 13 before the Cats edged a thriller by 11 points five weeks later.
Finley does have a size advantage, which can be difficult to bridge at junior level.
Scott said he’d be altering his side’s approach, not out of fear but necessity.
The Eagles will be without one of their ruckmen, but first-year player Arlo Scott is ready to step up and also provide an outlet up forward.
With a smaller front six, speed at ground level may be the advantage.
Though the coach also feels he now has a host of “big game players” at his disposal after the deep finals run.
If we’re keeping up with the Bulldogs comparison, the likes of Bobby Elliott, Ryan Strahan, Achilles Murillo and Oliver Phyland are the Bontempelli, Liberatore, Mcrae and Johannisen of this team.
Obviously, the young Eagles haven’t reached the level of that quartet just yet.
But they will be entrusted to lead their side to the same outcome.
Echuca United’s under-14 grand final starts from 9am at Moama Recreation Reserve.
14°C