The Goannas will ramp up their preparations for finals with another serious test, this time as they host Griffith at Mangoplah Sportsground.

MCUE showcased their premiership credentials last Saturday with a 13-point win over Collingullie-Glenfield Park, a victory that put the Goannas level on points with the ladder leading Demons.

Collins said last week’s big result gives MCUE confidence heading into the business end of the season.

“We definitely take some confidence out of it,” Collins said.

“They had a few players out but there were a lot of things we did well that we couldn’t the first time we played them.

“Griffith have always given us a good battle for the last five or six years so we’re definitely not taking them lightly this week.”

Collins in the star of an underrated MCUE midfield, featuring Trent Cohalan, Ryan Price, Stace Creasy and others.

Collins believes the midfield is one area that needs to improve to help lift the Goannas to another level. He said they will get no better test than against the Swans on Saturday.

“When we’ve lost a couple it’s the midfield that lets us down. The forwards and backs are going well and we keep letting them down,” Collins said.

“Griffith have the best midfield in the league...they’ve had the core of their midfield together for a long time and every time we play them there seems to be a new young player so they’re always tough.

“They’re a hard midfield to get on top of.”

Collins struggled with glandular fever early in the season but is just starting to hit his straps. The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the premier midfielders in the competition and would love nothing more than to enjoy success at his home club.

“I feel like the first half of the season we were pretty sluggish but the last couple of weeks we’ve started to get on a little bit of a run,” he said.

“We’re still not playing to our full potential, we’ve still got a couple more gears, we just need to find them.”

Collins has been there for two grand final defeats, and a preliminary final loss last year. He believes the arrival of Nathan Byrne and the return of Jordan Foster and Dylan de Britt give MCUE a big hope this year.

“Getting the three Melbourne boys has been massive,” he said.

“Just having a few more older heads there. We’re still a relatively young team but having them there, adding a bit more experience, gives the young blokes and everyone confidence. 

“It takes a load off Trav and helps steer the ship.”