GRIFFITH has been hit hard by injury and unavailability ahead of Saturday's clash with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

Five of the Swans key players are either out or in severe doubt for the trip to Mangoplah to take on the Goannas.

Key defender Richard Malone and forward Trevor Richards are both unavailable, while coach Brandon Mathews, giant ruckman Michael Griffiths and classy on-baller Mick Duncan are all under injury clouds.

All three got through the loss to Coolamon last week but were under sufferance.

It looms as an important period for the Swans, who are the only team outside the top five that remains in the running for finals.

Mathews said Griffith players were most likely aware of the ladder situation but it certainly has not been a focus at the club.

"It is important but I guess in a way we're not even thinking about it," Mathews said.

"We've just got to win a game. We've been close but unfortunately you don't get points for being close."

Mathews said it is the same old thing that Griffith need to improve in a bid to beat the best teams.

"We'll keep working on our skills, that's been the issue all year," he said.

"We've been in games but poor skill errors or missed opportunities are starting to hurt.

"When games are up for grabs, there hasn't been enough blokes putting their hands up.

"It's been left for too few. We need blokes to step up, rather than stay in their shell.

"I think blokes are too worried about doing the wrong thing."

Win, lose or draw against MCUE, the week after when Griffith takes on Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong looms as the club's make or break game in regards to finals.

Mathews said no decisions at the selection table this week will be made with the GGGM game in mind.

"If they're right to play this week, they'll play," he said.

"If they can't, they can't.

"The same will go next week."

RFL draw - round 14

Saturday

CAK v GGGM at Crossroads Oval

Turvey Park v Narrandera at Maher Oval

MCUE v Griffith at Mangoplah Sportsground

Sunday

Coolamon v Wagga Tigers at Kindra Park

Bye: Leeton-Whitton