"We've played them four times this year and we haven't beaten them yet," he said. "But we've been within a goal each game, so we're close. They haven't lost a game, but they're going to lose the one that's most important!"

The AFL North Coast Junior Competition's grand finals are on Sunday September 27, with the Bellingen vs Sawtell game kicking off at 12.50pm at the Coffs International Stadium.

Asked to nominate particularly outstanding players this season, Marc mentioned Deja Barlow as a shining light in the centre, while strong in the forward line have been Tehahni Berger and Charlie Chelman. Staunch in defence have been Demi Bowd, Izzy Sheppard and Emily Sutherland.

The Bulldogs team, which has girls aged between 14 and 17 years, only started last year but this is their second grand final.

"We got in the grand final last year [against Grafton] but we didn't win it," Marc said. "So it's two years in a row, and we hope to win this time."