GREAT Western Lions go into the last round of a long and difficult Mininera and District Football League season and there will be no respite.
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The embattled Lions will come up against third placed Hawkesdale Macarthur at Macarthur tomorrow.
The Lions have battled injury woes and inconsistent form all season and after a promising month of football came crashing back to earth last week, suffering a massive loss at the hands of Moyston Willaura.
Hawkesdale are coming off an easy victory over Woorndoo Mortlake and will be looking to gain some more confidence heading into the finals.
The Lions will go into the match without captain Brett Dowie, who suffered a knee injury early in the match against Moyston, while Nathan Ringin, Bobby Garley and Danny Grellet will all be given until the last minute to prove their fitness.
They will however welcome the inclusion of full back Danny Hoare as well as midfielder Leroy O'Brien, defender Mark Bradshaw and youngster Nathan Ross into the side.
Coach Nick Thomas said he would be after nothing short of a four quarter effort from all twenty one players who represent the club tomorrow.
"Obviously the season hasn't gone to plan for us, but that doesn't mean we will be giving up tomorrow. We have to go in with a positive mindset.
"It would be great to finish off with a win," he said
While the teams are at opposite ends of the ladder, the Lions will be intent on causing an upset with the last meeting between the two being a good contest despite the final margin being in Hawkesdale's favour. It was a fierce contest for three quarters in the round nine clash.
Thomas didn't point to any one player who will be required to stand up for the side.
"Too often we have left it to the same eight or so players to do all the work, I expect everyone to put their hand up."
If the Lions are to give the premiership contenders any headaches the likes of Lachie Malloy, BJ Burton, Rayne Salmon as well as Cody Virgona and Tom McCord must have major influences on the game against the likes of ruckman/forward Lachlan Reichman, Charles Nield and inform forward Ben Julius.
It is likely to be a tough assignment for the Lions, but Thomas is sure to get his side up for one last battle for 2014.
