The two Aussie rules clubs finished third and fourth respectively and will clash in the minor semi-final. 

Both clubs have a mix of youth and experience in their rosters and should be evenly matched going into the contest.

“It’s a massive game for both clubs and a massive game for footy down here,” Tathra captain Luke Taylor said. 

“A lot of guys don’t get to play finals, so we can’t take it for granted, you have to take every opportunity and make it count.”

Bega coach Chris Dwyer echoed the sentiment and said he was excited at the prospect. 

With mixed rosters, the two clubs will be looking for strong performances from their veterans. 

“We will look to our veterans as a base for our young guys to do their thing,” Dwyer said.

“Todd Ingram is back in the midfield and Jason Darcy should be returning in the back lines.”

Taylor said it was a similar case for the Sea Eagles, who would now call on its veterans to rise for the occasion. 

“You look to the young guys through the season, but come the finals it’s really up to the experienced players,” Taylor said. 

“If our experienced guys can get on top early could give us a huge boost, but it’s the same for them.

“That’s the beauty of finals footy, it can go either way.

“It’s about the team that handles the pressure better.”

The two sides have found thyselves short of numbers at times this season, so have worked on rotating skill sets and creating utility in their rosters. 

“We’ll start where we feel comfortable, but we are fairly flexible,” Taylor said.

Dwyer said he hadn’t locked in any starting positions yet, but was grateful to have some utility players. 

“We’ve got people like Moona [John Harney], Scotty Hay is fairly versatile and the two Leahys, Dale and Nathan, make good utilities,” he said. 

“We’re hoping for a bit of depth this week, if we can get an extended bench we won’t be banking on the efforts of a few key players.

“If we’re all working towards the goal, we should get the result. 

“It’s about getting back and playing as a unit like we’ve done this year.”

Meanwhile, the Tathra skipper put faith in his side and said the game would come down to endurance. 

“If we stick to our structure we can compete with anyone in the comp – it’s just doing it for four quarters,” Taylor said. 

“Whether you are first or fourth it’s about keeping up for four quarters. 

“And Bega and us are fairly evenly matched.”

Saturday’s game will be held in Narooma and Taylor said the Sea Eagles were displeased with the decision. 

“As captain of the club I think it’s ridiculous we have to travel,” he said. 

“We were under the impression you finish first or third you get the home final.

“Our two teams are literally 15 minutes apart, but now we’re expected to get up to Narooma to play.

“If I wasn’t playing and was just a spectator, there is no way I would be driving all the way to Narooma, it’s quite crazy if you ask me.”

Taylor said the league should look at teams being able to provide their best roster on the day, and a 100km trip hindered that. 

Dwyer said he could understand the frustration, but was less fazed by the switch. 

“Yeah its a lot further to travel, but it’s neutral ground so personally we’re not too worried,” he said. 

The game will be played at Bill Smythe Memorial Oval in Narooma from 2.10pm on Saturday. 

The winner will advance to the preliminary final, while the loser will be out of premiership contention. 

“It’s all on the line – if you don’t get the win you’re gone,” Dwyer said.