Fitzsimmons said Bell Post Hill, which will chase a fourth-straight premiership in its sixth successive grand final, deserves favouritism on the back of its second semi-final thumping of the Magpies.

"Bell Post Hill played really, really good footy and didn't let us get our game going. I think we were pretty reactive to what they were doing two weeks ago and it obliviously has to change this week," he said.

His counterpart, Panthers skipper Brad Martin, feels both sides are deserving of the favourites tag.

"I'd say we're pretty even across the year. We have won 2-1 but that goes out the door once you play a grand final," he said.

"If you don't bring your A-game, it's not going to happen for you."