Standing in their way though is an in-form Macquarie Hotel outfit which will present a formidable challenge to Craig Grant’s men in the season-decider at Oxley Oval.
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But Grant didn’t seem too worried when he spoke to the Port News on Wednesday.
He said his team was prepared for Mad Monday already, regardless of the result.
“We’ve got a good team and we’re feeling good,” Grant said.
Mark Jackson replaces Ben Lawrie for the big one.
The good vibe in the club stretches further than just first grade, too.
Seconds and fourths will also play deciders this weekend, and it could be a special year for the merged entity.
“Everyone’s supporting each other, but we’re not getting too carried away,” Grant said. “We’re cheering each other on.”
Grant is the Oxley Oval curator. He said there would be something in the deck early for the bowlers , and the batsmen would have to settle in before looking to score runs.
“And bat with patience,” he said.
Macquarie speedster Brendan Badenoch will try his best to spoil the Pies’ party. He’s in good form at the moment.
Grant said his batsmen would relish the ball coming more quickly onto the willow.
“Our boys have handled him pretty well,” he said.
Badenoch was sending down some thunderbolts last weekend against Wauchope RSL, and Macquarie captain Michael Pelley wants a similar showing against the Magpies.
“It was as quick and as fierce as I’ve seen him bowl,” Pelley said. “It was near-unplayable, and almost uncatchable at slips. We’ll be looking for more of the same.”
He’s still young, but Badenoch will relish the finals experience he has had in the past few campaigns.
“He was the big difference in the game last week,” Pelley said.
Ben Cutler is out this weekend, after suffering a hamstring injury in the National Touch League competition.
Pelley said he would be a big loss.
“He’s a good bowler,” he said. “He can move the ball both ways.”
