The Nathan Verri Douglas United Dragons will seek back-to-back Far North Queensland Premier League titles on Saturday night, when they head to Endeavour Park to take on the minor premiers Marlin Coast.

There has always been a feeling of expectation surrounding this team and this season given the quality of players the club has attracted, and although there have been a few bumps along the way, the players have put themselves in the perfect position to retain the title that was won in such dramatic circumstances last year.

The Dragons go into the match as slight underdogs. Marlin Coast are a very good side who have beaten the Dragons twice this year as well as seeing off the title challenge of Mareeba to win the league on goal difference. They are also the only side in over two years to come up to Cassowary Park and leave with any points, which shows just what sort of calibre they have.

Their coach maintains that they are not particular bothered with the grand final as the league is their priority but having watched their players celebrate their late winner against Mareeba in the major semi final a few weeks back I would say that the players think differently. Either way this is going to be an epic clash between two very good sides. The Dragons were the leagues most free scoring team netting a massive ninety two goals although were fairly leaky at the back themselves while Marlin Coast were hardly goal shy themselves and only conceded eleven goals. It is all set for a titanic showdown.

The Dragons are peaking at the right time of the year and have a near full squad to pick from, Ian Marsh is the biggest uncertainty having missed last weeks semi final win with a calf strain. One of the few returning Dragons from last years side and scoring of the audacious overhead kick in the grand final, Marsh will be sorely missed if he is unable to shake of the injury. The other injury news is more encouraging with Jamie Gosling set to train twice this week and hopefully put himself in contention while Logan Marsh looks fit enough for a place on the bench.

There are a number of key players for the Dragons who have match winners all over the park. Christian Mackintosh made a couple of close saves last week and will need to be at his very best to kept Marlin Coast at Bay. Captain Nick Tither is an inspirational leader and will be looking to get on the end of any set pieces the Dragons win, while Ollie Moffat is another big threat from right back. Sean Seavill is the class operator in midfield and looks to dictate the play while the attacking midfield trio of Lewis Walker, James Cooling and Liam McInally have been outstanding in recent weeks and a great source of goals.

It boils down to a clash between the two best sides in the league who both look to play open, attractive football. There have been plenty of goals in both fixtures between the two sides this season and while grand finals can be notoriously tight affairs this one might just be the complete opposite. One thing is for sure it will be one heck of a match so get a seat on the bus and get down to Endeavour Park to cheer the lads on. Last years crowd certainly played a huge part in getting the lads over the line and hopefully this year is no different.

Important:  Apologies to Sam Buckler and Sean Seavill who are also in the premier squad for Saturdays Grand Final but were unavailable for photo session below.