Southcity couldn't have asked for a better moment to run out at full strength for the first time this season.
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Nathan Rose, Nick Skinner and Hayden Jeans have all had mixed fortunes on the injury and availability front through the first seven rounds of the season however they are all back on deck for the grand final rematch with Gundagai at Anzac Park on Sunday.
With the teams sitting in the top two places on the Group Nine ladder, Bulls captain-coach Kyle McCarthy thought the timing was ideal.
"It's perfect timing," McCarthy said.
"And I didn't even think of that.
"It's one v two in a grand final replay so I suppose everyone wanted to be fit for that."
Southcity beat Gundagai twice in the regular season in 2018 before coming unstuck in the game that matters most.
It's something that is driving the Bulls this season, after downing the Tigers in the previous two grand finals, however McCarthy knows no result can change how last year ended.
"I'm trying to forget it as it was pretty heartbreaking," he said.
"I try not to think about it but it would be good to get one over them but we beat them twice last year and they beat us in the proper one.
"Season games aren't as important but hopefully we can get back into the grand final.
"That is our goal for this year."
Gundagai are yet to be beaten so far this season, with a draw against Albury in round one their only blemish.
The Bulls are also on a six-game winning streak and McCarthy expects a big test in Gundagai.
"It's always a tough road trip and they grow an extra arm and a leg playing over there," he said.
"They blew out to 22-0 last year early so we have to be on our toes.
"Hopefully we can get over him."
After missing last week Skinner returns to the front row for the Bulls with Jeans dropping back to the bench.
The forward battle is something McCarthy believes will be key to the clash however Gundagai may not be at their best.
Captain Luke Berkrey was named on the bench after injuring his sternum in the win over Junee last weekend.
Early in the week he wouldn't rule himself out and McCarthy expects him to play.
"He's a tough man," he said.
"I've seen him get completely knocked out and have a hit up one set later.
"There is no doubting how tough he is and we expect him to be there."
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