The Diesels haven’t claimed the Group Nine title since 1986 and the Tigers stand in their way of second grand final appearance in as many years.

After denying Junee a premiership win last season, the two teams clash in the preliminary final at Harris Park on Sunday.

The two teams last met two weeks ago when the Diesels came off second best in the qualifying final.

In the process they lost captain-coach Matt Hands to a season-ending injury but the sidelined five-eighth has highlighted a number of keys for reversing the result.

“Putting a decent 80 together would be a start,” Hands said.

“A bit similar to last week and bring that same defence attitude into it will go a far bit towards it – you have to limit their opportunities.

“A good side like Gundagai you can’t give them too cracks at the try line as they will take their chances.

“We are looking to get into that grind and try to limit our mistakes.”

The two teams were level at half-time in the qualifying final before the Tigers ran away with the game in the second half.

Hands is looking for the team to play out the whole game this time around.

“It seems to have been the case in every game except for one that we have played we have been right in it and then it is a poor patch that cost us the game,” he said.

Junee is looking to come into the clash unchanged with Connor McCauley and Daniel Foley expected to be fit to play.

After injuring his ankle in the win over Albury last week, McCauley shaped as the biggest concern.

“At this stage we expect him to play,” Hands said.

“Just like last week I will be giving him right up until game day.”

Star fullback Foley is in the same boat after injuring his hamstring late in the win over the Thunder.

“He will be given right up until kick-off but at this stage it is coming along well.

“The physio is pretty happy with it.

“At this stage we are expecting both of them to play.”

Hands injured his pectoral muscle in the 36-14 loss to Gundagai almost a fortnight ago and it booked in for surgery on Friday.