GANMAIN-Grong Grong-Matong coach Christin Macri has reminded his squad of the lapses which cost them a top two berth to guard against any complacency before Sunday's elimination final against a faltering Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes at Robertson Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Lions (4-2) are hot favourites to beat the Goannas after they lost their last three regular season matches, all against fellow top four teams.
GGGM will also be boosted by the return of gun midfielder Sam Murray after he missed last week with a hamstring injury, while Mick Rothnie is also back.
But Macri insisted finals football is a different ball game and is preparing for MCUE to be at their best with both clubs' season on the line.
The Lions lost by less than a kick to the Tigers and Leeton-Whitton this year after some poor periods of play cost them the finals double chance.
"They're in the same spot we are, whatever's gone before is over and we have to focus on winning this week and keeping our season alive," Macri said.
"We've dropped games by having poor patches or poor halves and if we do that this week, we're done.
"We've addressed it and the way the guys trained on Tuesday there's no complacency at the moment, and nor should there be. They're a good side with some handy players.
"Their forwards obviously prefer it dry and like to take some marks. That's something we have to prepare for and try and keep them quiet, but more importantly get our hands on the ball first."
Macri said Murray's return was a huge boost for the team.
"He's done everything right over the last ten days and thankfully it was only a minor strain," he said.
"He went flat out on Tuesday and pulled up well so it's great for us."
Lions midfielder Aaron Proctor is looking to add a fourth flag to his CV after winning three with home club Pambula Panthers in the Sapphire Coast Australian Football League.
He is confident they have the artillery to win three straight games and press for the AFL Riverina Championship title.
"Winning one here would top everything, it's a good club," he said.
"The level has definitely stepped up and there's a lot of good players in the comp, it's what you want.
"The last couple of weeks we've had pretty strong wins (against MCUE and Turvey Park). We've spoken about a few things and executed them well, and there's energy around the group.
"Finals footy is a different beast and you have to be switched on from the get go. You have to forget about form, and just be ready."
READ MORE
