As the Northern Bombers shoot for a fifth TSL flag in six years, Lauderdale's gun ruckman is trying to avoid suffering a fourth grand final defeat at their hands.

Having played understudy to Western Storm big man Cody Thorp in the 2014 decider, Smith returned to Lauderdale in 2016 and is desperate to finally taste success after runner-up finishes the past two years.

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"It's a pretty big opportunity," the 27-year-old said.

"You think the first one is pretty bad losing and then you come to the second one and it gets even worse, but now this third one is obviously the best opportunity we've got to get one.

"So it'd mean a lot to be able to go out and there and win it after the disappointment of the last two."

Smith looks set to play a huge role in the outcome of Saturday's match with opposite number Alex Lee under an injury cloud despite being named in North's 22.

"Last time I saw him he was walking off the ground with crutches but grand finals are the game you seem to hurt a little bit less for and you can push through a little more pain so we may see him out there," Smith said.

"Whether he's playing or not I've still got to approach the game hoping to be a dominant ruckman - hopefully I can get a lot of hit-outs, give our mids first use and play my role on the ground."

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