Despite Wagga failing to win a game yet this season, Griffith coach Andrew Cullen said the Heat will lift for a game they will see as its own grand final as they look to gain some respectability this season. Hindering the Demons' chances of picking up another win will be the absence of big man Corey Ryan, with his absence likely to see Griffith take a more cautious approach in defence.

In recent weeks Ryan has been used as part of a slick rotation between Adam O'Callaghan and Leon Rosborough, with the Demons' three big men able to aggressively go after defensive stops without the fear of fouling out early.

But Cullen said his side has contingency plans they will put into place in a bid to keep its defence watertight.

"We'll have to make some defensive changes. We had the liberty to get away with a few things with Corey there, but we'll have to watch them (O'Callaghan and Rosborough) like a hawk, even if they get a quick one early they might sit down (substitute)

"(Wagga) hasn't won a game yet but they've had a hard draw, they have played all of their games away and they've played Queanbeyan and Illawarra twice, so they've placed the top end of the ladder apart from us.

"They could be better than what their record is showing, but when Griffith plays Wagga, records mean nothing."

It has been two weeks since Griffith's excellent last-start win over the Roadrunners and Cullen said the break has allowed some injuries to clear up but said there are still some concerns heading into the game.

"There's still a few niggles going on and Mick (Duncan) and Nick (Cullen) are still struggling with lower leg problems so we'll see how they go but they should be right, we've got a back-up plan in Cappy (Andrew Cappello) being in the line-up this weekend."