Seven months on from an ‘under-the-radar’ RugbyWA Premier Grade title, Associates coach Sape Misa has acknowledged the target on their back as they prepare to defend their title.

Associates will open their season with a grand final rematch against Palmyra at Allen Park when the Premier Grade season kicks off on Saturday.

After claiming the Challenge Cup Shield with a big win over Perth Bayswater, the defending Premier Grade champions enter the season full of confidence.

But Misa, who helped mastermind Associates’ narrow two-point win over Palmyra in last season’s showpiece, said there was more pressure on the side this season.

“Last year, we sort of flew under the radar. No one really expected us to do anything,” he said.

“There wasn’t really much pressure on us, right to the end — where this year, even though you’ve got the big three of Pally and Nedlands and Cottesloe, I feel like they’ll probably take us a little bit seriously this year.

“It wasn’t an overnight success last year; four years of pain, blood and sweat and eventually it primed the boys well, especially in the back end against Neddies in the semis and Pally in the final.”

Misa said while he knew Palmyra would be out to avenge after last year’s grand final loss, he was taking a long-term approach on the eve of the season.

“I’m not too worried about how they see the game, but for us it’s how we track through the year that’s more important to us,” he said.

“Results is probably not so much our focus at the moment, just making sure we put out good performances for our community.”

Ultimately, Misa said Associates were eager to defend their title and do it playing a positive brand of rugby.

Like most teams, it (success) would be lifting the shield at the end. Even though that’s probably at the back of our minds, our focus is purely on making sure we put out good performances for the people that turn up, give up their weekend to come and support us,” he said.

“If we do the job, do justice with what we’re trying to achieve there, hopefully wins will just come naturally. Results take care of themselves.”