LEETON-Whitton coach Daniel Muir has admitted they're "annoyed" at having to travel to Wagga's Robertson Oval to take on the Tigers as minor premiers, but understands the community safety reasoning behind it.
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The Crows (5-1) edged out the Tigers for the AFL Riverina Championship top spot narrowly on percentage, but will take on last year's Riverina League champions on their home turf on Saturday for a grand final spot.
Narrandera Sportsground is generally regarded as the best ground in the competition, but the Eagles' decision to pull out of the season due to community health concerns has made playing there unfeasible.
Asked if he felt unlucky or annoyed, Crows coach Daniel Muir replied: "A bit of both.
"I understand why they're doing it, but in saying that a bit annoyed by it. You finish on top, we're the best team for the home and away season so I believe we should get the right to play where we please.
"But at the same time I understand the reasons behind it and this year isn't like any other year. We have to roll with the punches, and we'll play anywhere at the end of the day. They could put goal posts in the car park and we'll play there."
Around 1600 tickets will go on sale for each of the two finals played there this weekend, with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes to play Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in Sunday's elimination final.
Muir doesn't believe his team will, or needs to, use the situation as motivation.
"As a playing group no, the only spur we need is playing a game to make a grand final," he said.
"We won't be using the ground as a spur at all. If we're relying on that type of thing to get us over the line we probably don't deserve to be there."
Muir was one of five players rested as a precautionary measure for last week's win over MCUE last week.
He remains in doubt with a hamstring issue, but is confident Jono Spina, Bryce O'Garey, Matt Rainbird and Jayden Lehman will be available.
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