Victory have dominated clashes between the two teams this season with the Reds failing to earn a win in the last five encounters.

Merrick isn't taking comfort for the run of success, or worrying about the winning streak coming to an end.

Law of averages and statistics don't play on the Melbourne's boss's mind. He believes matches are decided by hard work.

Merrick told the Herald Sun: "It was said before the last game against Adelaide that it must be time for them to win.

"They are the types of thoughts that can distract you from doing well and the team from performing well."

And Merrick will stress to his squad to focus on the job in hand and forget all the talk, hype and stats ahead of the Grand Final.

"The law of averages doesn't play a role in what we do," he said. "We deal in realism and how we go about the job and that's what our focus is on. We've been spending all year on that.

"Our preparation has been outstanding and our focus is on what we're capable of doing."