Now, COVID-19 complications have ruled star trio Dean Biermann, Riley Budd and Joe Hancock.

Co-coach Heath Russell said they put a line through the trio as soon as word of a case in the capital emerged. The 'Pies will present it as an opportunity for the squad to show what they're made of.

"Obviously they're very important. They're three quality footballers who've brought a lot to our side this year. We're not going to understate the role they've played but it's a good opportunity for our local boys to respond," Russell said.

"We could say the challenge is too hard without these guys, or we can see it as a new challenge and really dig in. It could be a memorable win before finals to build even more belief."

Russell also confirmed his quad tear is season-ending (potentially career-ending) but believes the 'Pies are far better placed than six or eight weeks ago. Jake Adams, Harri White, Cody Cool, Mitch Stephenson and Cooper Diessel are back from injury and Jack Driscoll returned to the club.

Russell said there was no point speculating on the potential impact on finals. The Canberra lockdown is for seven days but in an escalating COVID-19 drama across NSW, nothing is guaranteed for any local government area.

"We'd love to not have this happen but it's there," Russell said.

"What will be will be. We can't change much, or whinge. There's plenty of people a lot worse off with this virus than we are.

"One positive is we're in finals. We know how important this game is but at the end of the day the worst result is we've made finals. But who knows what it will look like in a couple of weeks. Or a couple of days."

Right now, the Magpies face a straightforward scenario: they head to Nixon Park in third, courtesy of last week's nail-biting win against North Wagga. But they have to win to stay there.

If the Kangaroos prevail, North Wagga (who have the bye) return to third and TRYC go to an elimination final against the Northern Jets.

Temora are seventh but their three wins have all come in the last five weeks. And TRYC have won just once at Nixon Park in at least the last 10 years, in 2016. (Not even in the 'Pies' last premiership year of 2015 could they secure a win there).

Livewire Jordan Kemp kicked a goal in the 2016 win and is one of only six players remaining (along with Aiden Ridley, David Pieper, Todd Hannam, Harri White and Stephenson).

After a full season in 2017, Kemp was hampered by ankle problems in 2018 and well into 2019. This year, he's getting back to his best just as the club is.

"It's been awesome, it's been a good year for the club. We've been going pretty good and there's a good atmosphere," Kemp said.

He knows Saturday is massive.

"Especially coming off last week, we just want to keep that momentum going into finals," he said.

"We definitely know it's a game we can't drop and hopefully we can get the win. It's been a long time and it doesn't happen very often over there so it would be good."

Kemp has been named in TRYC's best in five of his 13 games (only Ridley, Bierman and Budd have done better). Maybe it's the striking mullet and moustache he's sporting.

"Hahaha. That might be a factor," he laughed.

"It's probably just my confidence starting to grow, I've got a spot in the team and doing my job. I feel like I'm having a good year, having a crack."

Kemp's shown a willingness to inject himself and add spark to the team no matter the game situation. His strengths suit the game style of the 'Pies under Brad Aiken and Russell who have encouraged him.

"Just take the game on, use my speed a bit more, use my skills and steady up when I get a chance," he said.

"The game plan we've got suits me, keeping the ground wide and long."

Kemp said the Canberra players have been 'unreal' for the club but says they can also progress without them if needed.

"I've really enjoyed playing this year with Toddy Hannam, he's having a cracking year. And Cooper Diessel, I love playing with him, he's hard at the footy and a good player," Kemp said.

"But pretty much the whole side has been good, that's what I put it down to. It's a really good vibe around the club. It's been fantastic."

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