The 23-16 loss by the Malleemen came on the back of poor handing early in the tackle count, which Loudon has targeted for improvement this weekend at training before the sudden-death semi-final against the Blueheelers.

“The guys were shattered after the game, but eight or so times out of ten during the game we dropped the ball on the first or second tackle,” Loudon said.

“I was happy with the defensive effort in our third of the field, but in their (Waratahs) half we were falling off too many first up tackles and they were making 40 or 50 metres from three or four tackles.”

Loudon, who has been in good form at half-back for the Melleemen, said the injury problems Yenda have been having so far this season mean nothing when compared to the finals experience they have in the club.

The West Wyalong leader said whatever 13 players the home side selects this weekend, they will be tough to overcome.

“They are the best in the business at this time of the year,” he said.

“They have a lot of experience and with the likes of Chris (Richards) and Trevor (Richards) taking them forward all the time they’ll be tough and there’re a big side as well, so we’ll need to get numbers in tackles.”

Hampering West Wyalong’s chances of continuing their season, are the notable omissions of

four players from last weekends game.

Chris Jamieson is unavailable for selection, Chris Fealy is out with injured ribs and Mark Leadbitter and Josh Tahaffe are suspended.

Loudon said he was confident he could find replacements in time, saying that the lure of a home ground semi-final next weekend should be enough for people to step-up.

For the Blueheelers, their extensive finals experience in the last decade will mean they are still very much a contender for the title.

Trevor Richards has been outstanding in leading the Blueheelers pack, that is still one of the biggest in the competition.