Western Australia captain Sam Whiteman says this year's Sheffield Shield title would be the most satisfying of the lot if his team can get over the top of Tasmania at the WACA Ground.
WA's bid for a three-peat of titles begins on Thursday, but it was during an ill-fated bike ride on Sunday that their hopes took a major battering.
Cameron Bancroft's shock biking accident that resulted in a night in hospital and a nasty concussion has robbed WA of their most important batter.
Pace duo Lance Morris (side strain) and Matt Kelly (pectoral) are injured, while Jhye Richardson, Mitch Marsh, Ashton Turner, Cam Green and Marcus Stoinis are unavailable due to their Indian Premier League duties.
WA had to win their last two Shield matches just to reach the final.
Tasmania's shock final-round loss to South Australia handed WA hosting rights for the decider.
If WA manage to win their third Shield title in a row, it would be a remarkable achievement given the hurdles they've faced this season.
"I'd say it would be the most satisfying, just with the challenges we've had this year with injuries," Whiteman said.
"Lance Morris has barely been available, Jhye Richardson has played one game, Matt Kelly has only been available for one game.
"So we've definitely had some challenges, and it would be the most satisfying if we can get the job done.
"It's been a challenge to get to this year's final.
"Last year was pretty straight line, we were out in front the whole season.
"This year, it's been do or die for the last three weeks, so we're no stranger to big games.
"If we do get the job done this week, it's something we can look back on and be really proud of, and leave a really strong legacy for this group."
Either Teague Wyllie, Jayden Goodwin or D'Arcy Short will replace Bancroft at the top of the order.
For Tasmania, not only are they aiming to win their first Shield title since 2012/13, they're also desperate to send out retiring veteran Matthew Wade with a win.
Tasmania's biggest weapon is allrounder Beau Webster, who was named the Shield player of the year for his astonishing season.
Webster plundered a season-high 914 runs at an average of 65.3, and he also snared 26 wickets at an average of 28.5.
"I haven't seen those sort of numbers in my career," Tasmania captain Jordan Silk said of Webster's extraordinary season.
"It's a credit to him. He's worked really hard.
"He's sacrificed a bit. He went away last off-season to continue playing cricket, and got some opportunities in county cricket.
"At times, he's put us on his back and brought us to this position, so we're very thankful to him."
