IF they are under pressure, if they are bruised or bloodied, if they drop the ball or miss a tackle in Saturday's Blowes Clothing Cup grand final don't worry - mateship will spur on the Bathurst Bulldogs in their desire for victory.
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Since taking over as coach of the Bathurst Bulldogs first XV for season 2018, Dean Oxley has implemented a number of changes.
He has altered positions, changed on field tactics and made surprise selections.
But along with that, he has fostered the bonds within the playing group and stressed the importance of displaying the Bathurst Bulldogs spirit when pulling on the yellow and blue jumper.
It is something Oxley knows will drive his players when they do battle with the Orange Emus in the Ashwood Park decider.
"Not to take anything away from past teams, but this team certainly has united. The tackles that have been made, the efforts that have been made are not personal efforts, they are team efforts and they are playing for each other," Oxley said.
"I might sound cliched, but it really is the reason people lift and they grow that extra leg to be able to get that job done.
"One of my focuses has been to be able to try and build a more harmonious team when I came back to Bulldogs, to make sure they were willing to work.
"They are ready to play and they are playing for each other. There's no shortcuts, there's no 'That'll be good enough', they're just stepping up."
Stepping up in defence has been crucial for the Bulldogs when playing Emus this season. More than once has the Bathurst side absorbed the pressure as the greens have strung together phase after phase inside their attacking 22.
"We are very confident with our set piece, we are very confident with our attack, but it's been our defence that has been the reason why we've got this opportunity," Oxley said.
"I've got pictures in my head in regards to our line speed and our contact that we've been applying throughout our defence, it's been really first class."
But just as defence will be critical in the Bulldogs' bid to claim the cup for the first time since 2010, Oxley also wants his men to show their attacking flair.
If there is the chance to hurt Emus, Bulldogs need to take it.
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"The focus this year is that I want 15 guys who are threats, who have responsibility, will put their hand up and say they will take that moment when it's available," Oxley said.
"I believe from one to 15 and inclusive of the bench too, that when they come onto the field that they have the right and responsibility to take those moments.
"Those players who don't want to take those moments and would rather see them go through somebody else - I can't have them in the team. It sounds quite harsh, but for us to win close fixtures, you have to be able to take that one moment when it's presented."
Kick off in Saturday's grand final at Ashwood Park is at 3.15pm.