THE Central West AFL finals format has gone through a change up this year but that suits the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels just fine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Rebels have earned the minor premiership after last weekend's snowed-out round and will play host to the Orange Tigers in the major semi-final.
However, unlike previous seasons, the game will take place a fortnight after the closing round of the regular season.
That means Rebels and Tigers will sit out this Saturday while the Bathurst Giants and Dubbo Demons battle it out in the minor semi-final.
The weekend off stretches the season out that little bit further but with several players nursing injuries in the Rebels' ranks it's not a bad thing for the Bathurst club.
Rebels co-coach Matt Archer said a handful of squad members will appreciate another week to recover.
"It seems like a week where Tom Regan doesn't get injured is a bonus for us, so he's a big one," he said.
"AJ [Andy James] gets another week to let his knee heal that little bit more.
"The change is good to make sure everyone can get down and watch each game but it's been a dragged out season so there is that feeling to get out there and finish it."
Archer is pleased to score the week off but doesn't see it as a big deal given Orange will also have the same amount of time away from the field.
"It's a nice little reward to have. It's a little something to show for our efforts," he said.
"Orange didn't get their game so I guess we'll both be going into it with a three week break.
Keep up to date with the latest sports news by clicking here.
"It's been stop and start for us all year and it's no different going into finals, so we won't be using that as an excuse."
Rebels went into last Saturday guaranteed four points thanks to the bye.
Whether they earned major semi-final hosting rights or not would come down to the result between the Tigers and Bushrangers Outlaws.
With that match unable to be played the Rebels held onto their percentage advantage over Orange.
Archer is looking forward to at least two more weeks of guaranteed football at George Park 2.
"It's a really great feeling, especially with the club having the two teams. Obviously one of them didn't quite get the success they wanted but to have them there supporting the club is a big thing for us," he said.
"We've got a lot to motivation to go in there and win not just for ourselves but everyone else at the club."
The situation mirrors that of 2017, where the Rebels also edged out the Tigers for the minor premiership on percentage.
Rebels went on to win the title that season.