The Dubbo Bulls sit third on the Western Premier League ladder and have only lost twice in 2020 so it might seem strange for co-captain Kobe Rapley to describe this weekend's game as a must-win.
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But given the tight nature of the this season's competition and some patchy form in recent weeks Rapley knows his side is in need of an improved performance to help secure a top four finish.
The Bulls haven't won in the past three weeks with a draw and loss followed by the bye last weekend.
They head to Bathurst this weekend for a meeting with Panorama FC and the return of a number of key men comes as a huge boost.
"I think it [bye] was a good thing and we've got a few back and a full team for the first time," Rapley said.
"It should be a good hit-out and it's a must win because we're right around fourth and we want to make finals."
One of the biggest inclusions for this weekend is Thomas Busch.
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Coach Jason Schink highlighted Busch as one of the players to watch in 2020 but less than two minutes into the first meeting with Panorama he suffered a dislocated knee.
But he's been back at training in recent weeks and while he might not start on Saturday he'll be part of the squad.
"He's definitely playing and it's a bonus," Rapley said.
"He's worked his way back slowly but the last couple of weeks he's been moving well."
An influential midfielder, Busch's return could provide the Bulls with that they've been lacking in recent weeks.
As well as a almost constantly changing lineup affecting momentum within the side, Rapley pointed to an inability to maintain possession as the major thing hurting the Bulls.
A side which has been synonymous with success and controlling games in recent years, the Bulls' most recent results are a 3-0 loss to Lithgow and 1-all draw with Orana Spurs.
"We just need to work on working up from the back and keep possession," Rapley said.
"We're giving it away a bit too easy and getting rid of it too quickly and passes haven't stuck."
The match is one of two in the space of six days for Panorama, who also meet Barnstoneworth FC next Thursday.
"These games could make or break our season," Panorama manager Brent Osborne said.
"If we win both games we put ourselves in a strong position for finals. If we lose both games then we're going to be in strife.
"This will be our most important game of the season thus far, no doubt about it."
Elsewhere in WPL on Saturday, Macquarie United and Orana Spurs are both at home in Dubbo.
The ladder-leading Macquarie United will welcome Barnstoneworth FC to Hans Claven Oval while Spurs will be in action at Lady Cutler against Parkes United.
Macquarie has been in red-hot form, winning its past five games and scoring 23 goals in the process, t move five points clear at the top of the ladder while Spurs has started to play its best football in recent weeks and is closing in on the top four.
Saturday's opponent, Parkes, is the only side yet to win a match in season 2020 but Spurs are expected to be without a number of key players for the match.
The Bulls' match at Proctor Park in Bathurst kicks off at 5pm while the two games in Dubbo both start at 4.30pm.
Lithgow has the bye.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
