The Magpies haven’t tasted NTFA success since 2001 and haven’t made a grand final since coming from fifth spot to reach the 2010 decider, where they were overpowered by Bridgenorth.

Corey Binns, Joel Hayes, Lee Nichols and Joe Krushka are the only players remaining from the 2010 team and coach Geoff Mohr hoped his club’s supporters would soon have another grand final week to enjoy.

“For the North-East community it’s been eight years since they’ve been represented in a grand final and they’re a pretty proud sporting community, so for us to make a grand final we’d have a lot of support,” Mohr said.

“In our team we’ve got blokes from Winnaleah all the way through to Bridport, so we’ve got a good mix of the North-East community in our side and I’m sure they’d all get behind us.

“But you’ve got to get there first and that’s what we’re aiming to do this week.”

MATCH PREVIEW: Scottsdale v Bracknell

Standing in the way is a Bracknell side that has lost just five games all year – three of which have been to South Launceston.

In Glenn Dawson, Corry Goodluck and Gary Shipton Bracknell boasts one of the most dangerous forward lines in the competition, and Mohr says the Redlegs’ class doesn’t stop there. 

“Their half-backs provide a lot of run and they’ve got some grunt in through the midfield.

“It’s a good well-balanced side they’ve got there so we need to make sure we’re not just relying on shutting down one player, but making sure we’re playing well as a team.”