The club held a crisis meeting last week looking to garner more off-field support.

While player shortages have wreaked havoc, forcing large numbers of players to play both reserve and first grade over the last month, a lack of volunteers was the main issue discussed.

There was talk about a poor response to Wednesday’s crisis meeting, but Junee treasurer Matt Hands was quick to poor cold water the suggestion.

“We ended up getting plenty down there,” Hands said.

“There would have been close to 25 people there.

“It was fairly productive with a fair few looking to get back on the board and help out, who haven’t been there for a little bit.

“There was a fair few from the juniors as well looking to help out so their kids have somewhere to play.”

The Diesels didn’t field either a Sullivan Cup or Weissel Cup this season, have only managed 11 wins across the two senior teams plus the ladies leaguetag and won’t have any representation in the finals.

However the club believes they are “financially sound” and have strong numbers on the books.

“I had a look and we’ve used 47 local blokes this year for footy, it’s just that we have a had shocker with injuries and a few have lost interest,” Hands said.

“We have the players around but just have to keep them motivated – that usually comes with winning.

“We just need to add a couple of pieces to make sure that happens.”

Hands also confirmed the club are looking outside to find his replacement as captain-coach.

He believes the team needs to find a new spark after spiralling down the ladder this season.

After making the grand final in 2015, before a 28-16 loss to Gundagai, the Diesels were knocked out in the preliminary final last year.

However after a large turnover of players they are currently ninth on the Group Nine ladder with only four wins.

Hands is hoping a new leader can bring more consistency.

“It seems to be the case in Junee – we spike and then we dip,” he said.

“We sorta struggle to plateau at that competitive level.”

Coming off a 30-16 loss to ladder leaders Southcity on Saturday, things don’t get any easier with a trip to Gundagai on Saturday.

The Tigers are third but after two big losses in the last month, Hands expects they will be fired up coming off the bye.

“They will be looking to get themselves on track rather than limp into the finals off a couple of losses,” he said.

“It is always a big game between us too regardless.

“They are a big side and we have to try and control them as best as possible.

“It’s a bit like last weekend, we have to give ourselves and hopefully be good enough to take those opportunities.”

Hands returned from a hamstring injury against Bulls and with younger brother Cameron joining him in the halves, the Diesels gained plenty of direction.

There was also little between the two sides when they met earlier this season, with Gundagai scoring a 22-18 win at Laurie Daley Oval.