The feeling within Macquarie United's squad couldn't be any better as it heads into a five-day stretch that will likely decide its Western Premier League season.
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The Dubbo side faces two massive matches with a trip to play Panorama FC in Bathurst on Saturday followed by a Wednesday night battle with the Parkes Cobras at Apex Oval.
Those three sides have been relatively even this season and three points currently seprates the sides with Macquarie is currently fifth while Parkes is sixth and Panorama is seventh.
With the top five advancing to finals, Macquarie United coach Paul Crain knows nothing else but victories will be enough for his side.
"If we can't win these two games we don't deserve to be there. That's what it comes down to," he said.
"We've reset our season and what happened in the last 14 or 15 rounds doesn't matter. We are where we are and we've got to win these two games.
"If we're good enough, we'll make semis and if the results don't go our way then we won't."
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While that might seem like a lot of pressure is on the players, that isn't the sense Crain has got while being around his players in recent weeks.
Macquarie hasn't played since a narrow 4-3 loss to the in-form Orana Spurs on July 9, with a general bye followed by the match with Parkes initially being postponed due to concerns around the recent COVID lockdown.
"There's a good feeling around the playing group and we're confident," Crain said.
"The boys are confident and the guys have been training the house down.
"It's like something has clicked in the squad. Attitude has been right, the behaviour on the field is right, and we've had some results that have been close.
"We're not that far away and the boys are confident we can get the job done."
The tight loss to Spurs looks better given their local rivals have gone on to defeat top two Orange Waratahs and Dubbo FC while a win over Mudgee is also impressive given the Wolves have been one of the form teams in the second half of the season.
Also boosting Macquarie United is a clean bill of health in the squad for one of the few times this season.
Crain has been forced to blood a number of young players due to injuries this season but the newcomers have impressed.
Dylan Lane is one, in particular, who has caught the eye and the 16-year-old talent is set to lead the line for Macquarie on Saturday at Bathurst.
"I'll be instructing the lads to make the most of their chances and back themselves," Crain said.
Kick-off is 3pm on Saturday.
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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.
