While most eyes will be on the battle between defending champions Lake Albert and unbeaten Hanwood this Sunday, Henwood Park is content to fly under the radar.
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The Hawks have quietly won their past five games to sit just a point outside the top two before Sunday's trip to seventh-placed Leeton United as part of a crucial Pascoe Cup round.
Ever since a tight 1-0 loss to Hanwood, the new-look Hawks have gone on a tear to put themselves in a strong position to contend for a premiership.
With the top six teams to make finals Wagga United (fourth) hosts Tumut (fifth) in another important contest on Saturday night.
"We've definitely connected well as a team," Henwood Park winger and former coach Ryan McKenzie said.
"We started off with quite a few new faces and a lot of young talent. We had to groom them into positions and show them what's expected in first grade.
"We got some of the heavy hitters early, but we got to see where we stand. Against Hanwood, it was a real good gauge because they haven't conceded a goal yet and are heavy favourites to take it out this year."
McKenzie is confident they can contend for the title, regardless of whether they secure a double chance in finals.
"At the end of the day the top five are going to make finals this year and as long as we're there, we're going to make a run at the end of the season," McKenzie said.
"Coming first or second isn't a priority, but we'll take every point we can get."
Sunday's match gets underway at 3pm.
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