A STRONG finish to the season is what Great Western Lions coach Nick Thomas is calling for from his troops as they go into their final game of the Mininera and District Football League season at Great Western.
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An improving Lions outfit will come up against fourth placed Penshurst, who come off an impressive win against the highly rated Hawkesdale Macarthur.
Penshurst look to be hitting top gear coming into the business end of the season and will be a tough encounter for the Lions tomorrow afternoon.
The Lions, however, will look to put a stop to Penshurst's run and Thomas will have almost a full list to choose from after several players proved their fitness during the week at training.
Great Western will welcome back the likes of onballer BJ Burton, forward Tim Shalders and half back combination Danny Grellet and Nathan Ringin for the vital clash.
Thomas was pleased with the amount of experience and class that will be at his disposal as the Lions look to record another win in this difficult season.
The only forced change will be captain Brett Dowie who has succumbed to a persistent knee injury.
While Thomas was pleased with the amount of quality inclusions, he pointed out that a consistent performance across the board would be the only way his side could come away with the win.
Leaving the hard work to the likes of Lachie Malloy, BJ Burton, Tom McCord and Rayne Salmon wouldn't be enough for Great Western to take the four points.
"You take the likes of young Jayden McCartney who was fantastic in his first senior game," Thomas said.
"These are the sort of players that we need to stand up for us again tomorrow."
Thomas pointed out that if the Lions went into the contest with the same attitude and endeavour as they have in the previous two matches, that they would give themselves a chance.
In previous encounters Penshurst have struggled to adjust on the smaller oval at Great Western, so the fight for first use of the football will be on.
Getting first use of the ball will be important against a strong Penshurst midfield, led by Justin Eales.
Thomas said his side would have to be mindful of Eales.
"We will look to play our own game, but as a midfield group, we will have to watch him and curb his influence as much as possible."
If Eales does get away early Great Western would not be without options to shut the gun midfielder down.
Players such as Tom McCord or Cody Virgona could be called upon to do the job.
The message was clear and simple from Thomas, contested ball, protection and ball use would have to be a feature.