AVOIDING the wooden spoon is the furthest thing from Leeton-Whitton coach David Meline's mind ahead of Saturday's clash with Turvey Park at Leeton Showground.

The bye last weekend lifted the Crows off the bottom of the ladder with a superior percentage surging them ahead of Narrandera into eighth position.

Leeton-Whitton is 11 percentage points clear of Narrandera and a win over Turvey Park on Saturday will all but assure of the Crows of avoiding the dreaded wooden spoon.

For Meline, with such a young list he is not concerned about ladder position.

"Not really, I haven't put too much emphasis on where we are on the ladder," Meline said.

"This year has been a steep learning curve for a lot of our fellas.

"When I was first appointed I was keen to blood a lot of young fellas but I didn't think we would have to do to the extent we have.

"So I'm not too worried about the ladder, the young guys have proved they're up to it.

"Getting four solid quarters is the challenge, we haven't done that yet."

The ladder may not show it, but it has been a big effort from Leeton-Whitton this season.

The Crows have fielded more teenagers than any other club and have still managed to be consistently competitive each week.

Leeton-Whitton has only twice been beaten by more than 10 goals, compared to Narrandera's five times.

The Crows have also been without brilliant midfielder Bryce O'Garey for more than half of the season due to suspension.

Ben Curley and Will Overs have been outstanding leading from the front through a trying year.

Meline would like to think the Crows are a chance against Turvey Park on Saturday.

"Yeah, I think our form of late has been solid," he said.

"We've been in most games, just little periods have let us down.

"Hopefully if we can string four quarters then we'll be a good chance."

Key forward Cal Garvey should return on Saturday from a fortnight overseas, while O'Garey (hamstring) and Sean Browning (ribs) are both doubtful.

Meline recently signed on for a second year in charge of the Crows.

He believes the future is bright.

"I won't lie, it's been a tough year," Meline said.

"All the young guys are on board again so we've just got to keep what we've got, add the right guys in and then we should improve dramatically."