He points to a small, four-team competition with the Magpies and Coffs Harbour fighting it out to face off with Sawtell at the pointy end of the season.

The Saints are sailing along at the top of the competition, are undefeated in eight games while the Magpies and Breakers both have a four win, four loss record.

Grafton Tigers are winless and anchored to the bottom of the ladder.

Schmidt said there was one main reason for Sawtell’s perfect record.

“They have had pretty consistent player lists every week,” he said.

“Whereas it’s been difficult for us because we have five to eight changes every week which doesn’t help our continuity.”

When asked if it became repetitive playing the same teams every second week, the Magpies captain said it did have its challenges.

“It is a little bit, but the flip side of that is that you get to know teams really well,” he said.

“Then you can come up with structures of how to play against sides.”

Schmidt said the Magpies season remained in limbo after they had just passed the halfway mark in the year.

“Initially we would have said it’s been a successful season,” he said.

“But in the last three weeks – while I wouldn’t say it’s been a disappointment – it’s left the season probably in a bit of limbo.”

It was important for Port Macquarie to “get the job done” on Saturday at Wayne Richards Park.

A win will move them one win clear of the Breakers in second spot.

“It all starts this weekend with a win over Coffs; anything less is a failure,” the captain said.

“We’ve definitely got the talent, but it’s about getting the same people on the park at the same time.”

First bounce in seniors is at 2.50pm with under-17s at 10am, a women’s fixture at 11.50am and reserve grade at 1.20pm.