The men's A grade competition is set for an explosive conclusion when the St Kilda Saints and the Bombers meet in the championship decider this afternoon.
Today's match will be the fifth meeting between the two sides this season and the second in the past week.
Last Saturday, the second-seeded Saints defeated the Bombers to qualify for the final, while the Bombers had to defeat Otago Boys' High School on Tuesday night to qualify.
St Kilda, the 2012 champion, lost to Magic A in last year's final and will be determined to add to its 10 titles, while the Bombers' best finish was runner-up in 2006.
The two sides have split their four meetings this season. While the Saints have won the past two, the Bombers have outscored the Saints 283-280 over the four games.
If the Bombers are to win a first title, they will have to do it without New Zealand under-18 point guard Richie Rodger, who is preparing for the national under-23 tournament in Tauranga with the Junior Tall Blacks.
While the Saints possess ample firepower in James Ross, Damon Cleverley and Tom Ingham, they will need Thomas Tindale to be active inside against Chris Hepburn and Jack Stirling.
The Bombers arguably possess more offensive threats than the Saints.
However, they must protect the ball if they are to have a chance.
The Saints will probably attempt to suffocate the Bombers into turnovers with their relentless full-court defence.
The Bombers have turned the ball over 51 times in their past two games, 29 of them against the Saints in last week's loss.
Whether or not the Bombers handle the pressure could go a long way to deciding the champion.
- Robert van Royen
Players to watch
St Kilda Saints
1 Guard James Ross has average 19 points per game this season and has racked up a league-high 266 points in 14 appearances. Ross is a terrier defensively, and his ability to clog the passing lanes with his quick hands makes him a pesky proposition.
2 Guard Tom Ingham has poured in 160 points in 11 games. He often plays the point and has great vision in the passing game. Ingham has a very good jump shot and, along with Damon Cleverley, will punish the opposition if left open beyond the arc.
3 Centre Thomas Tindale will play a pivotal role for the Saints. His battle with Chris Hepburn will likely decide who has the interior edge. For a big man, Tindale is surprisingly nimble when attacking the hoop.
Bombers
1 Swingman Steve Robinson averages an impressive 23.1 points per game, easily the most in the competition. His ability to shoot from deep and penetrate inside and his veteran leadership make him crucial to the Bombers' cause.
2 Guard Cody Gillies has played all but two games this season and averages 12.7 points. Gillies has shot the deep ball much more consistently this season and has been lethal attacking the basket.
3 Centre Chris Hepburn is an old-fashioned grinder. He does a lot of the hard work inside which often goes unnoticed. As well as setting screens and boxing out, Hepburn will have his hands full with Tindale. Getting him away from his favoured left hand must be a priority.
Dunedin men's final
St Kilda Saints v Bombers
Where: Edgar Centre.
When: Today, 12.30pm.
