This Saturday, the Cootamundra Blues face a tough challenge against the in-form Southern Cats at Stirling Oval, Canberra.
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The Blues were minor premiers and will be fresh after a week off last weekend, however they have played very little football the second part of this season with forfeits and general byes.
To try to compensate for a lack of game time, the Blues have trained three times a week over the last fortnight, including the past two Saturdays (generally game day).
The Blues have played the Cats twice this season and on both occasions, they have had to work hard to win.
In round four at Clarke Oval, the Blues dominated the third quarter booting five goals to one, and eventually won by 27 points.
Six weeks later, at Snowy Oval in Cooma, the Blues survived the Cats last quarter charge to hang on by just two points.
The Cats finished in fifth spot, and last Sunday accounted for Woden in the semi-final by 24 points.
Injuries have robbed the Blues of fielding their best side.
Ruckman Sam Baldock and Sandy Maskell Knight are in doubt, while Hayden Crockett broke his thumb last week and is out for the season.
The Blues experienced players are expected to stamp their authority on the match.
On ballers Dylan McDermott and Stephen Chant, plus captain Phil Bird are sure to give the Blues plenty of drive through the centre.
Jimmy Finucane has been a star this season with his silky skills sure to make an impact.
Youngsters Blake Basham, Adam Johnston, and Sam Larsen have had fine seasons.
Down back, Joel Pearson is the general with great support from Liam Frilay, Ethan Silk and Lincoln Wilson.
With Maskell Knight and Baldock in doubt, the rucking duties could be shared by the experienced duo of Scott Munday and Chris Drum.
The Blues line up tomorrow is
Backs: Ethan Silk, Joel Pearson Liam Frilay
Half backs: Hayden Slater, Lincoln Wilson Hamish Basham
Centre: Adam Johnston Phil Bird (c) Paddy Cameron
Half forwards: Chris Drum Blake Basham Sam Larsen
Forwards: Jimmy Finucane Brad Slater Jack Baldock
Followers: Scott Munday, Stephen Chant Dylan McDermott
Interchange: Sandy Maskell Knight Sam Baldock James Thornhill and Matt Forsyth
The match commences at 12noon.
In the other preliminary final on Sunday, Yass take on ANU.
The two winners on the weekend play in the grand final at Greenway Oval on Saturday, September 2.
