EVEN though Sawtell/Toormina is about to play in its 14th AFL North Coast grand final in 16 years, making to the season decider isn’t a situation the Saints take for granted.

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Club president and playing veteran Matt Flynn said Sawtell/Toormina never assumes success will come easily.

“We’re a proud club and we don’t think like that. You’ve got to earn it. These things don’t just happen,” Flynn said.

The Saints will face Grafton which has been at the top of the ladder throughout the season.

While Sawtell/Toormina has enjoyed a golden era of success, Grafton’s season has seen the Tigers return from the doldrums.

Prior to this year, a scoreline that saw the Tigers lose by more than 100 points wasn’t an uncommon occurrence.

Grafton president James Hourigan said the reversal of fortune hasn’t come by accident.

“It’s because of a fair combination of factors,” Hourigan said.

“We’ve had a lot of junior players over the past couple of years who’ve been developing and we’ve been able to put a few old heads around them from the last premiership team.”

The Tigers last won the title in 2012 but the mixture of youth and experience will be a strength the minor premiers will rely upon according to the president.

“I think the young guys just need direction. They are all as tough as nails but the older guys will lead the way,” he said.

Flynn said the Saints are just as strong in the youth department, if not stronger.

A veteran of 10 years at Richardson Park, Flynn said it’s the exciting young talent coming through at Sawtell/Toormina that keeps him going.

That’s why he intends to keep playing well beyond this Saturday’s match at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

“I’ve had a great time with this club and there’s all of these young kids, I love to be a part of it,” he said.

By Brad GREENSHIELDS