Shield finalists ready to square off in Alice

South Australia captain Travis Head believes his side are in a better position than last year to triumph against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final, as the Redbacks look to avenge their defeat in last summer's competition decider.

The top-of-the-table Bushrangers face-off against South Australia in a rematch of last season's Shield final, with Alice Springs' Traeger Park the venue chosen by Victoria for the five-day decider that gets underway on Sunday (11.30am AEDT).

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Head's men earnt hosting rights for last summer's final to secure a spot in the showpiece match for the first time in two decades.

In a gripping contest, they squandered the silverware to the Bushrangers at Glenelg's Gliderol Stadium to become just the third team this century to lose the Shield final after finishing as minor premiers.

But after making the journey north (a plane trip 45 minutes shorter than the one taken by their 'hosts') this week to the scorching-hot desert outpost), Head insisted there's a greater sense of calm over the squad this time, away from the pressure of an expectant home crowd.

"I think we've come into the week more relaxed," the 23-year-old said on Saturday in reflecting on this week's build-up compared to last season's.

"Last year the excitement of not being in a final (for 20 years) and then getting the opportunity (meant) the week went really quick.

"There was a lot of excitement around Adelaide. This time around, we've probably played a better season.

"We all know it'll be a tough week. I think the boys are ready, we've played some good cricket in the last couple of weeks and are ready to go."

Neither Head nor his counterpart Cameron White, who's resumed his old post as Victoria captain since the Christmas break with regular skipper Matthew Wade in India for Australia's Test tour, have made a final decision on the composition of their respective teams' final XIs.

Both captains noted the Traeger Park pitch, which has been prepared in consultation with South Australian duo Trent Kelly and Les Burdett, tends to favour batters before offering more turn as it wears.

White admitted selecting the spin duo of Jon Holland, the leading slow-bowler in the competition this summer with 42 wickets, and Fawad Ahmed like they have in all four of their matches at the ground over the last three seasons is again probable.

Fast-bowler Scott Boland, who made way for Fawad in Victoria's most recent game in Alice Springs, is the likely candidate to do so again.

Either way, White praised the Bushrangers' attack for their work this season and said having tearaway James Pattinson, who has claimed five-wicket hauls in both of his two most recent matches, back from injury has been a huge boost for a Victoria outfit gunning for their third successive Shield title.

"We've got a very good bowling attack (but) South Australia's is strong as well," the former Australia T20 captain said.

"Our boys have been in good form especially the last couple of games.

"Having Patto back has been very handy as well, he was on fire in the last game.

"He comes into this game peaking. He's ready to run the race of his life.

The Redbacks will mull whether fit-again paceman Kane Richardson can be squeezed back into SA's own strong fast-bowling attack, featuring the competition's standout quick Chadd Sayers along with recent Test debutant Joe Mennie and swing-specialist Daniel Worrall.

Left-arm tweaker Tom Andrews has also been added to the 13-player Redbacks' squad as an extra slow-bowling option alongside incumbent wrist-spinner Adam Zampa.

While last year's final was a captivating contest, the season decider has often been an anti-climax as the top-ranked side exploits its well-earned right to play for a draw.

It's an option White refused to rule out.

"It's better than losing isn't it?" White said when asked if his side would pursue a draw if victory looked out of reach.

"It means you win the title. If that's what it comes to, of course (they'd play for a draw)."

But Head was confident the aggressive nature of the both finalists' batters, and the strength of each side's bowling attack should ensure the game matches last year's final for entertainment.

"We'll be playing to win," the dashing left-hander said.

"Hopefully we can put them under enough pressure that if it does come to draw, (we'll be) probably ahead of the game.

"We'll play our brand of cricket and hopefully that's good enough to get a result.

"They're a good cricket side and they're an aggressive cricket side, they don't want to play for the draw. They'll be playing for the win, knowing a few of their players.

"It'll make for a great game like last year."