CSU Bushpigs know their season could hinge on Barellan and Northern Jets games

Charles Sturt University are sixth, two wins clear of Barellan, who they tackle at Peter Hastie Oval on Saturday, and a win behind the Northern Jets, who they meet a week later.

CSU beat both sides in the first half of the season but the 'Pigs' momentum has slipped in recent weeks, losing three in a row for the first time this year.

Coach Travis Cohalan said there's no hiding from the stakes involved when they welcome the Two Blues.

"I've always believed in being honest as a coach and with the players and, look, if we harbour any aspirations at all of playing finals then we have to win this weekend, it's pretty simple," Cohalan said.

CSU hope to welcome back ruckman Andrew Dickins (ill) and midfielder Wayde Archibald (ribs) for the game against Barellan.

Along with Lachy Moore and the still-injured Grant Daly (quad) they're important leaders.

"We just don't have a lot of experienced players in our group and we've had three of our best five players out," Cohalan said.

"They're our most experienced players... they're good footballers on the field and good leaders but I think the boys walk a bit taller when they're in the team too."

The Bushpigs are coming off a heavy loss to Marrar last week, who received a glowing endorsement from Cohalan.

"We were down about five goals after 10 minutes but credit to them, I think they are head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. I would be very surprised if they didn't win it," he said.

"They were far too well-structured, far too clinical and far too experienced for us."

But Cohalan said their was merit in the prior losses to Coleambally and East Wagga-Kooringal.

"I think East Wagga was close to one of the better performances this season. Along with our wins against Coleambally, Barellan and the Northern Jets, it was one of our more complete performances," Cohalan said.

Against Coleambally two weeks ago, they let a big three-quarter-time lead slip but Cohalan said the Blues were devastatingly good early in the final quarter, delivering on the promise they've threatened all year.

"Definitely this weekend we need to play some footy that I think we're capable of," Cohalan said.

"Our biggest issue has been putting it together for four quarters... we've had critical lapses like the last quarter against Coly, the 10-15 minute period in the third quarter against East Wagga, that have cost us.

"The average age of our team is about 20 or 21. That's not an excuse but it's a reason I think."

Cohalan expects Barellan to be "a formidable force" and significantly improved since they last met back in April.

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