Darlington Point-Coleambally coach Ryan McGoldrick says the Roosters are bracing for a finals-quality encounter when they take on Yenda at Wade Park on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both sides have already secured a spot in the finals ahead of the last round of the season, but a win for either team could land them in the top three.
Securing a second chance in the playoffs is a huge incentive, especially considering how tight the competition has been all year.
The Roosters have been struggling lately after suffering back-to-back losses against Tullibigeal-Lakes United and Yanco-Wamoon.
McGoldrick said his players needed to show something with finals about to start.
“Both sides this weekend will want to show finals-worthy form, but we haven’t been doing that lately,” he said.
“Once you get into finals you have to string three or four good games together.
“You don't go from being a really bad side to a good side overnight, and you don’t go from being a good side to a bad side either.
“We’ve got to play ourselves into a bit of form and set up a good run in the finals series.
“More important than a win for us is actually playing some good footy this weekend.”
McGoldrick said the Roosters were guilty of complacency in their recent losses.
“We came up against some desperate sides and maybe we were a little complacent in that we thought we’d done enough to make the finals,” he said.
“But now a new competition is about to start, all points are wiped.”
Yenda coach Tom Sellars said finishing in the top three would give the Blueheelers the best chance of winning the premiership.
“The finals are already made up, but we can still push for a top three spot, which would be massive come finals,” Sellars said.
“The Point have been fairly consistent all year. They’ve been up there as one of the best teams.
“We’re expecting a big game from them. It’ll be pretty high intensity.
“The boys are aware of that and are feeling pretty pumped.”
Sellars won’t play again this season after injuring his shoulder earlier this month but will look to the likes of Richie Bamblett and Josh Curphey to provide on-field leadership against the Roosters.
“I know they’ll both stand up,” Sellars said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing those guys lift the team because it’s going to be a hard match.
“It’ll be a bit of a guideline heading into the finals of where we’re at.”
