With one round to go in the regular season for Group 20 both Yanco-Wamoon and Darlington Point Coleambally still able to improve their finishing position.
In order for the Roosters to climb into third, the Mallee Men will need to defeat the Tahs in West Wyalong on Saturday night.
DPC coach Ryan McGoldrick is realistic about their chances of rising up the table.
“We know that we will probably finish fourth,” he said.
“We had our chances early in the season and let too many close games slip.
“I can’t see West Wyalong beating Waratahs they have been the form side late in the season.”
We had our chances early in the season and let too many close games slip.
- Roosters coach Ryan McGoldrick
McGoldrick is instead focusing on the positives with his side heading into a tough clash with the Hawks away from home knowing they have fourth place wrapped up.
“We can’t focus on the other results we just worry about what we can control,” he said.
“Yanco is fighting for their position as well, and their coach Glenn Dumbrell is quality and will make sure his side are set up right.”
McGoldrick said his side are in a good position heading into finals in terms of injuries.
“We should have everyone back on deck or on their way back,” he said.
“We can’t blame any injuries for our form.”
For Yanco-Wamoon they sit on the verge of making finals but will need results to go their way.
It has been a tough year for the Hawks who had many believing they were premiership contenders during the pre-season.
However, a series of injuries, including a season-ending one for captain-coach Glenn Dumbrell has proved difficult for the team.
They have also suffered many close losses or games they probably should have won.
The Hawks can still make the top five based on winning their match against the Roosters, but they will also need West Wyalong to lose against Waratah Tigers, and Leeton will need to go down to Yenda.
Another variable in the way of the Hawks is their points difference. While not impossible to turn around they are 52 points worse off than the Mallee Men, so they will need to overturn this if they want to break into the top five.
The match between the Hawks and Roosters will get underway at around 3pm at Yanco Sportsground with the under 18s kicking the day off at around 11.15am.
Liam Warren
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
As someone with an underlying passion about sport it is a privilege to report on the sporting landscape around the MIA
