Kempsey Saints coach Kevin Sinclair admits his side will need to produce one of their best performances of the season if they are to knock off the undefeated Port United this Saturday, but it's what he plans to do.
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With four rounds remaining and Saints in a two-horse race with the Camden Haven Redbacks for the last finals position, every game is crucial.
Sinclair knows a result this weekend against the competition leaders would be a huge step towards locking up fifth place on the ladder.
"We are going over there to win the game," Sinclair said.
"They are undefeated for a reason though and it will be especially hard at Dixie Park, but our focus is on winning and if we can at least come away with a result then it will be huge for our finals chances."
Sinclair claims Port United have a unique defensive set up and speed on the wings which threatens when they are in attack.
"They really restrict you from being able to play forward. They will allow you to go backwards or play it square but pushing forward is quite challenging," Sinclair said.
"But it's something we have been working on at training and hopefully we can counter it successfully.
"They have a couple of speedsters out wide and we will need to be on our toes to close them down."
In a boost for Saints' defence, centre back Shae Buff and right back Lachie Jay will make their returns but workhorse Sam Mahoney is unavailable and Kurtis Smith is likely to miss the remainder of the season as he begins his career in the Royal Australian Navy.
Sinclair is pleased with how the season has played out for the Saints but acknowledges a couple of costly results earlier in the season are now coming back to bite them.
"We are all still very positive about our position and I am very happy with how the boys are playing," Sinclair said.
"Everyone has been playing with commitment and effort.
"Those few games where we let wins slip and had to settle for draws are definitely hurting us now but we live with that and now need to prove we deserve to be in the finals."
The Redbacks, who are equal on competition points with Kempsey, host the fourth-placed Port Saints this Saturday.
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