K Rock Football | It’s a date East Geelong coach Ned Aulsebrook circled on the calendar for more than a month ago.

With the minor premiership a fait accompli since last month, the Eagles’ push for a first premiership since 2009 has been aided by the knowledge that they’d be starting their finals campaign out of a second semi-final.

“We’ve had a real focus over the last 4-6 weeks on building into this August 31st date we’ve had locked away for a little while now,” Aulsebrook said.

“I’m excited to see how the boys respond from the Round 18 game against Winchelsea.

“But it feels like we’re ready to go for Sunday.”

East Geelong will face the Belmont Lions at St Albans Reserve for the first time since the 2007 grand final.The Eagles welcome back Jayden Fanning, Billy Andrew and Will Hough but have lost Wallace Gemmill (concussion) and Caleb Lowndes (illness), while Will Jozipovic has been omitted.

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