Do or die football is nothing new to West Wyalong.
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The Mallee Men’s season has been on the line for the past fortnight.
On both occasions, West Wyalong produced the goods to sneak into the top five by a points differential of just 16 points.
Co-coach Mark Wood said a sense of relief washed over his players after they locked in the top five spot and gave everyone a renewed passion for this season.
“The last two weeks have been do or die and we were lucky to win both,” Wood said.
“It does feel bit different now we’re there [in the finals]. It gets everyone a bit keener that it’s literally a week in, week out thing now.
“We always get like that at this time of year.
“Everyone can see the end and hopefully we can have a crack for the next four weeks and see how it goes.”
Playing in the Mallee Men’s favour against Darlington Point-Coleambally on Saturday will be the home ground advantage.
Wood said playing at Ron Crowe Oval was always a special occasion.
“We love playing here,” Wood said of his home ground.
“Hopefully we get a good crowd and we’d much prefer playing here than travelling out to the Point.”
Mitch Pettit (hand) is West Wyalong’s only injury concern whilst DPC look likely to be without captain-coach Clinton Green.
Green (shoulder) and Chris Latu (head knock) both left the field in last week’s clash against the Griffith Waratah Tigers.
“Latu will be right but I’ll be no good,” Green said.
“I’ll take it week by week and play it as it goes.”
It’s not all bad news for the Roosters as Josh Vievers and Tony Leadbitter will return to the side.
Green said DPC would need all hands on deck if the side was to knock off the Mallee Men.
“They’re a quality side, especially at home,” Green said.
“It’s the toughest road trip of the season every year and we’re going to have to be at 100 per cent to beat them.”
The Mallee Men come into the game with four wins from their last five games whilst the Roosters have won three of their past five.
Green said consistency was key for the Roosters as they start their finals campaign.
“It’s rocks or diamonds. It’s been our biggest issue all year, we can’t string two together in a row,” Green said.
