DESPITE sitting on top of the first grade ladder and being the most consistent squad all year, Yoogali Soccer Club coach Tony Santolin is not taking Wests SC lightly this weekend as they look to continue their giant killing run going.
After their much-publicised poor start to the season the Magpies have suddenly become the hottest team in the competition in the last two months, winning six of their last nine games.
The side that Santolin and his men face on Sunday at EW Moore Oval will be nothing like the one in their numerous pre-season clashes, with Santolin warning his men Wests are not afraid of them.
"I think they have are created a lot of interest (in the competition) and we're really looking forward to playing an in-form Wests side that I think is finally showing its potential," Santolin said.
"I think they had too many expectations of themselves at the start of the season, but now they've settled down they're playing for each other, which is their biggest positive I've noticed.
"They're also playing with belief as well so they'll be dangerous."
Midfield general Stevie Crombie is still out with a hamstring strain for YSC, with Santolin admitting erring on the side of caution as his side prepares physically and mentally for their battles in the post-season.
"I think it's sort of like the half-way point but we need to get mentally tough as we head into the most important part of the season so we'll be fine-tuning things we've been doing well and trying to get more consistency for the whole game," he said.
Key striker Grant Davidson will also miss the game but is expected to be back in two week's time when Yoogali SC clashes with Griffith City.
Yoogali SC's men at the back will have their hands full on Sunday with the attacking duo of Andrew Cowper and Luke Congdon striking form in recent weeks.
Congdon is the ultimate form player for the Magpies, and having broken his 2010 scoring drought in recent weeks, his lightning fast runs will again be a feature of Wests' play.
Cowper's physical presence and skill on the ball has seen him cause headaches for all side's he has faced this season, but the Hanwood FC goalkeeper will have nightmares for weeks after his wonder goal last round.
In a strike that would have to be short-listed for goal of the season, Cowper drilled a powerful shot 40 metres away from goal to leave his teammates and fans at Hanwood Oval stunned.
Mark Giannini on the right wing has also proven to be a vital piece to the premiership puzzle for Wests, who are rejecting all talk of finals football let alone a title, in a bid to keep their next opponent in their sights.
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