It has been four long years since the students lifted Otago hockey's top honour, and they are determined to break the drought.
University player-coach Richard Storey said there was always an extra edge that accompanied finals hockey, and although his side would follow its usual routine, there was a focus on making its set pieces nice and crisp.
''There is always much more on the line, much more to win and much more to lose.''
The final will also mark Storey's last match for the students, as he will head to South Africa for four weeks to complete his medical school training, before taking up a job in Christchurch.
He said winning the championship would be a huge boost for the team.
Albany will fight to keep its place as the top dog, and will come out firing after a return to form in last week's semifinal against Kings United A.
Albany player-coach Nick Elder said it was business as usual for his team, and although it was gunning for a fourth title, the side was treating the match like any other Saturday.
Elder has played in all three finals during the Albany threepeat. He said they had all been close encounters where the defence was hard to crack.
Dunedin men's final
University Blue v Albany A
Where: McMillan Centre.
When: Today, 3.30pm.
