Parkes Spacemen captain-coach Dennis Moran is confident his side will hit good form ahead of this Sunday’s final round against Forbes Magpies and the following weekend’s semi-finals.
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The Spacemen have worked steadily towards top form since their disappointing loss to Dubbo CYMS in Round 15.
They have since put in two solid performances in wins against Nyngan and Narromine.
“It is a credit to the boys we came away with a good win against Narromine last Saturday,” Moran said.
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“Our first half was atrocious!
“Some of our players are not preparing well individually and that is affecting the whole team’s performance.
“It is something we have spoken about and I expect to see a big improvement this Sunday.
“It comes down to the individual taking ownership of their preparation both physically and mentally.
“Thankfully our improved second half was good enough to claim the points.
“Forbes will be a good test to see if we have improved,” he said.
The Spacemen will use Sunday’s clash with the Magpies to fine tune their game further ahead of a possible match up against Wellington in the first week of the semi’s.
Parkes sit in second place, two points behind leaders CYMS.
The Spacemen boast a superior points differential, but require CYMS to falter in Nyngan this Sunday if they are to claim the minor premiership and a week off.
Forbes can not be knocked out of fourth place on the ladder.
They could leapfrog Wellington into third if they defeat the Spacemen on Spooner Oval and the Cowboys fall to fifth placed Westside.
That scenario would see the two twin town rivals meet again in Week 1 of the semi’s.
The Magpies have enjoyed a much improved season in 2015 after claiming the wooden spoon last year.
Moran is keen for his side to put in a strong performance and continue the momentum gained from their last two victories.
“It is not only very important for us to come away with a win on Sunday, but also how we go about it,” Moran added.
“If our attitude is right the other things fall into place.
“Attitude shows up in the one percenters, the little things which can turn a game.
“It is putting your body on the line to dive on a loose ball or making that extra effort to provide cover defence.
“If we can win the little things, it will go a long way to getting the points.
“It is those things which win finals footy.
“We want a good win to continue our momentum into the semi’s,” he said.
Jordan Pope continued his excellent season against Narromine and will likely be a factor come Sunday.
A player who has flown under the radar this season is Nick Bligh.
Drafter into the centres due to Kevin Franks’ injury lay off, Bligh has been a real positive for the Spacemen.
“Nick is great for the team,” Moran said.
“He is unassuming, but just goes about his job without any fuss.
“He is someone I can rely upon each week to give his all,” he said.
The Spacemen will be without the services of Frank, who is a week away from a return, and Hayden Robinson.
Robinson has to get the all clear from a specialist before he returns to the field after a neck injury last week.
“I am proud of the work the boys, and the committee behind the scenes, have done this year,” Moran added.
“This season has been a success both on and off the field.”
