Ladhams was named but is unavailable after a change of employment, leaving EWK without the Farrer League's leading goalkicker (61 goals in 14 games) in their biggest game so far.

It's a significant hurdle for the Hawks who need to overturn an 11-goal loss to Marrar three weeks ago.

"I'd like to hope that we can," Hawks captain Ben Absolum said.

"Obviously he's a big target up forward and he's our focal point but we'll restructure up and come up with another plan of attack. He's going to be missed but I'm sure we can work our way around it."

The return of Chris Jackson (24 goals in 12 games) from a knee injury helps offset the loss of Ladhams.

"Jacko's kicked a lot of goals for us. He's an older fella, but he's a bigger fella and they'll have to put someone decent-sized on him," Absolum said.

"He's a target up forward and if he gets a run and jump at the footy, he's hard to spoil so if we can get some good ball in for Jacko, hopefully he can hit the scoreboard."

The winner of the Hawks and Bombers takes on North Wagga in the second semi-final. But bragging rights are also up for grabs for Absolum and his colleague, Marrar forward, Tyler Cunningham.

This is the first football season that both have worked at Harrison and Higgins, and Absolum heard all about it after the 67-point loss to the Bombers.

"I was pretty quiet on the Monday, but he was full of chat," Absolum said.

"He even kicked a goal on me too in that game. There's a bit of chat during the week but it's all fun."

In fact, Absolum said the Hawks need to learn from Marrar if they're to turn the tables.

"Last time they played us, I suppose they wanted it a bit more than us. Most of the chat (at EWK) this week has been about sticking together as a team. Everything we do, we do together. We've got to apply the same pressure that they're going to apply to us," Absolum said.

"Our pressure acts have got to be up, we've got to be hungry for the ball and we've got to play finals footy. We've had a good week on the track and I think we'll be up for the challenge."

Marrar are chasing a 10^th straight win and Cunningham confirms that their success is the sign of a team enjoying their football, and playing for each other.

"It's unreal. Just the pressure - forward pressure, in the backline - you can rely on everyone, and it's a good running, quick side," Cunningham said.

"And (playing for each other) is what we're doing, like running away from goals and giving the hands. Just looking after each other."

Cunningham heads to McPherson Oval in form after kicking six goals in a best-on-ground effort at Barellan last week.

He's not about to promise a repeat. Well, not in front of a workmate.

"Nup," he said. "No, there was something in the water last week."

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