About a third of the Falcons who will take to Subiaco Oval experienced the hollowness of second place when the side was beaten by South Fremantle in 2013.
Coach Paul Sanzone said the excitement of the occasion might have gotten the better of his side last year.
‘This year, I’ve definitely noticed a different style of attitude leading into this week,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘You’ve got to be in one to realise what it’s all about and we’ll use that experience (this weekend).’
The side has been strengthened by the return of a number of important players, including Max Alexander, Seva Martin and Mitch van Berlo, from league duties during the finals.
Sanzone said the league-capped group had not readjusted to reserves football when Subiaco gave the side a 56-point hiding in the second semi-final.
But he was pleased they found form in the preliminary final where they dominated Claremont by 68 points.
‘They know they were pretty disappointing in the game against Subiaco,’ he said.
‘It takes a little while for them to adjust back to reserves style football, but they all performed on the weekend and I’m sure they’ll acquit themselves well on Sunday.’
Sanzone said success in the midfield was the key to beating the Lions, admitting they were overrun in the second semi final.
‘They had us for leg speed,’ he said.
‘If we can get a fair share of the footy in our hands we can turn the tide.’