The Redbacks conceded in the first two minutes of last year’s Northern NSW Football First Division decider and eventually went down 2-0.

McAllister said it would be important for the Redbacks to start proceedings on the right foot against Lake Macquarie at Weston on Sunday and turn-a-round the result from 12 months ago.

“The biggest thing for us will be starting well,” McAllister said.

“We were down 1-0 after two minutes last year and it meant we had to chase the game from there.

“If we can get on the front foot early and lay the platform it will go a long way to getting the win.”

Thornton qualified for the grand final following a 3-2 aggregate win against Cessnock.

A 2-all draw was followed by a 1-0 victory in home-and-away semi-final legs and it put the second-placed side into their second straight top-two showdown.

The Redbacks expected a grand final replay against title holders Valentine but the minor premiers were upset by Lake Macquarie in the semi-final. 

McAllister said the squad had prepared well at training this week and were looking forward to the challenge of chasing a premiership crown.

“The boys trained well last night and everyone is ready to go,” McAllister said.

“They are all excited and jumping out of their skin to get out there.”

The coach said central midfielders, skipper Mitch Kiczynski and leading goal scorer Jordan Smallhorne, would be vital for the Redbacks. 

Kick-off is 1pm.

Also out at Rockwell Automation Park on Sunday it will be Valentine up against Wallsend in the first grade decider (3pm) while valentine and lake Macquarie will square off in the under 19s (11am). 

FIRST DIVISION GRAND FINALS

Rockwell Automation Park, Weston on Sunday

First Grade: Valentine v Wallsend (3pm)

Under 23s: Thornton v Lake Macquarie (1pm)

Under 19s: Valentine v Lake Macquarie (11am)