The opening half of the season proved to be the case as the Pies were regularly outgunned by the opposition.

But last week’s heartbreaking five-point loss to three-time premiers Sawtell-Toormina Saints showed the progress they have made.

The Saints belted Port Macquarie by 104 points in the opening round of the competition.

Now the Pies have their sights set on the semi-finals and regardless of the remaining two rounds they will face Grafton in Coffs Harbour in two weeks time.

Both sides face each other at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday.

Co-captain Craig Dicker was pleased with the constant improvement the Magpies had made since the first round.

He knew it was going to be a tough season.

“There was a bit of a player turnover and we knew we had a young side, but we’ve gotten better every match we’ve played,” he said.

“Hopefully we can build into the finals and if it isn’t this year that we win the grand final, we can have a good crack next year or the year after.”

Dicker said the focus for the side before the finals would be on continued improvement.

After a run of away matches midway through the year, the Pies will finish the regular season with a string of home appearances.

“Now we’ve got our last three games at home before the finals it gives us a chance to regroup and recharge ourselves before the finals,” he said.

“It’s always good to play at home because it isn’t as tiring as when you’re on the road and the results have spoken for themselves.”

Despite finishing in third or fourth position, Dicker was confident Port Macquarie could still make an impression on the finals.

“We still hope to ruffle a few feathers,” he said.

The club will also celebrate ladies day and first bounce is at 2.40pm.

“It’s an important day for us to recognise,” Dicker said.