In the latest grand final special issue of Inside Sport, sports psychologist Dr Dave Alred reveals how simply having the slightest doubt can be the difference between glory and failure.

"There are people who are slightly more negative in their outlook and therefore put themselves under pressure because they're trying to avoid a failure or a poor performance," said Alred.

"I think most people focus on what they can't do and I think that's part of their own doing."

With Western Bulldogs and Cronulla Sharks both out to end their grand final hoodoos this weekend against Sydney Swans and Melbourne Storm, the power of positive thought could be all they need to put both hands on silverware.

"Pressure is anything that interferes with your ability to to totally focus on your process - whether it's swinging a golf club, kicking a goal or whatever," added Alred.

"If the outcome or the failure to achieve the desired outcome means so much to you, there is a tendency for you to drift towards the 'What If?'

"The whole purpose of practising under pressure and practising the right way is to rehearse those situations so that you find ways to become much more engaged in the process.

"It's not a quick fix, it's a way of life. It's not about the chat the night before – it's a whole being."

Read the full feature in the latest issue of Inside Sport where we turn the spotlight on finals fever and how the greats cope with the pressure of the big grand finals.

We also look at what it takes to clinch an AFL Premiership, and with Bathurst looming, we put the decline and fall of Holden Racing Team under the microscope.

All this and much more in the latest issue, available in newsagents now but you can get it delivered to your door first by clicking here.