Dubbo Macquarie currently sit fifth but with Narromine breathing down their neck Steve McLellan knows anything but a win won’t be allowed at Wellington on Sunday.

And not only that, McLellan wants a big win.

With just three points separating second and sixth, there is every chance the finals race could come down to for and against and, on paper, the Raiders have every chance to pile on the points against the winless Cowboys this weekend.

“We’ve talked about it and first of all we’ve got to play a brand of football that will win us the game and while I don’t want to talk about it too much for and against will be important,” McLellan said.

“A couple of clubs have picked up good for and against results against Wellington so this is our chance to first and foremost get in a winning position and then go on with it.”

Macquarie went down by 12 points to an in-form Nyngan last week but for the majority of the match McLellan was pleased with his side in what he described as “a really good game of footy”.

According to the coach, his side fell away for a brief period after half time which cost them while he wants a more attacking and free-flowing performance at Kennard Park on Sunday.

“It was a really physical game and we probably got caught up in that a bit too much when they don’t need to prove their toughness to me,” McLellan said.

“We have to be a bit smarter and move the ball a bit more. I thought we played a little one-out versus Nyngan.”

Every match from here on out is crucial for Macquarie and helping their chances is the fact they enjoyed one of their best training turnouts during the week.

After a host of injuries as well as players missing the odd game due to suspension, work and personal commitments, the Raiders’ best 17 is starting to take shape.

Key players Damien Wells, Etuate Gusuivalu, Viliame Turuva, Kiyan Shaw and Michael Peachey all missed last week’s match at Nyngan but all five are expected to play on Sunday.

“They’re all back this weekend so we’re close to our best,” McLellan said.

McLellan knows when his side are at their best they can mix it with the anyone but whether they get the chance to do that in the finals will come down to the next three weeks.

“It’s good for the comp,” he said.

“Narromine won’t go away and a few weeks ago you might have said the top five would go clear but that’s not the case. But we know if we win our last three games we’re a good chance of getting second or third but everyone has got tough games.”

Sunday’s action at Kennard Park begins with the League Tag at 11am while the first grade match will begin at 2.30pm.