WAGGA City Wanderers will have more incentive than snapping a three game losing streak and keeping their finals hopes alive when they host Canberra White Eagles at Gissing Oval on Saturday.
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Attacking midfielder Zach Pinney will wear the black and white stripes for the 100th time at senior level, a remarkable achievement for a player yet to celebrate his 19th birthday.
After dominating the under-20 National Premier League Two Canberra competition, where the Wanderers sit in third spot, Pinney is playing more regular first grade this campaign.
"I've played a bit more first grade this year and started a few more games," he said.
"It's a different challenge and you have to push yourself at training just to get to first grade, and when you're there you have to prove you deserve to stay there.
"(Coach Ross Morgan wants me to work on) being more physical, having a physical presence on the field is the key thing.
"(Coming through the ranks) I was always a smaller build, but as I've got older I'm trying to get a bit bigger and learn how to use my body in games."
Pinney made his first grade debut aged just 16 back in 2017.
"You learn what you need to do to compete at that level, everything's a lot quicker and more physical," he said.
"It really pushes you to improve all round.
After a superb start to their first campaign in the Canberra competition, the Wanderers have slumped to three straight losses after going down 4-0 on the road to top-of-the-table O'Connor Knights on the weekend.
A brutal start to the competition's second round continues against the second placed Eagles, before they travel to fourth-placed ANU next week.
"We're coming up against some top four teams, the next few weeks are big to keep our push for finals alive," Pinney said.
"Theoretically it will get easier but you can't underestimate anyone."
Pinney said the squad had spoken about their horror record away from Gissing Oval, after securing just three points in five away games.
However, they've won three of their four home matches.
"It's something we talked about on the weekend. If we are to make finals we really need to improve our away record," Pinney said.
"I don't think numbers are the issue, it's being able to travel and after sitting in the car for a few hours doing what we know we can do on the park, and start off strong."
Saturday's match kicks off at 3pm.
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