Victoria head into Sunday's Sheffield Shield final against South Australia in Alice Springs seeking an historic third successive win.
Despite claiming 30 titles since the competition began in 1892, Victoria have surprisingly never managed three straight.
After comfortably topping the ladder, the Bushrangers will start favourites against a Redbacks side they defeated in last year's final in Adelaide.
But South Australia, who only edged into the final after a tense final-round round win over Tasmania, believe they are better placed than last year.
"(Last year's final defeat) definitely is driving us," said Redbacks quick Daniel Worrall.
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"We have learnt a lot of lessons from that and this year we have learnt to make better decisions under pressure and maybe that is where we faltered a little bit in the Shield final last year.
"But our guys have since got another 10 matches under their belts, we had two representatives in the Test side this season and a few with the Aussie A and one-day sides as well. So we are going in with a better side than last year.
"Last year we almost surprised ourselves by making the Shield final and perhaps didn't jump that last hurdle well enough.
"I'd like to think we have a great shot. We have a great squad and our bowling group has that added layer of depth now."
South Australia suffered two defeats against Victoria this season - by 124 runs and by five wickets - but both matches were close for long periods.
The first-ever Shield final played in the Northern Territory is also likely to favour the Vics, with the five-day match being staged in the Red Centre due to a lack of options in Melbourne this time of year.
Victoria have played in Alice Springs five times over the past three seasons for four wins and a draw.
"The boys are excited to be back here because we have had a lot success here," said Victoria spinner Jon Holland.
"We are quietly confident we can put another good performance on the board.
"We are prepared for it, we know the conditions, we have been here before and it is not very foreign for us.
"Both teams are naturally aggressive and (be it) four or five days I think there will be a result."
