Chatham down Thunder in division one final | Photos

The Wolves will be chasing a 10th successive premiership. Chatham secured a place in the grand final when coming from behind to defeat Tacking Point Thunder 4-2 in the final.

However, they'll be without Jayden Ryan and Dominic Tagliapietra for the decider. Both are unavailable while Eamon Smith will be playing in the Hunter Coast Premier League grand final in Newcastle. Adam Birkefeld (ankle) and Matt Doherty (hamstring) are both battling injury.

Coach Frank Birkefeld said the Wolves showed plenty of character to get past Thunder, especially when down 2-0 early in the match. The score was 2-1 at halftime but it wasn't until late in the game that Chatham hit the lead.

"I think the experience we've had in playing finals came to the fore,'' Birkefeld said.

"They didn't panic and stuck to the game plan.''

Birkefeld also made an important change at halftime, switching Mick Mohr from an attacking role to the midfield.

"I thought we'd been giving Thunder a bit too much space on one side of the field,'' Birkefeld said.

'Mick helped stifle their attack.''

Eamon Smith has represented Australian Schoolboys as a goal keeper. However, he has been having a run in the field this season when he has been available for Chatham and he starred in the final, finishing with two goals.

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"Eamo's fast and can read a game well and he's enjoyed the opportunity to play striker,'' Birkefeld said.

"It's a shame we won't have him this weekend.''

Bryce Hough at fullback was another Chatham player to stand out against Thunder while Wade Harry constantly worried the defence.

Birkefeld said Sharks will start favourites for Saturday's grand final as they look to break Chatham's stranglehold on the division one premiership.

"They've been the most consistent team all year,'' he said.

"But we're looking forward to it, it should be a great game.''