WITH the lure of a Group 10 premier league grand final to spur them on, the Mudgee Dragons are 'keen' to turn up the heat this Sunday.
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All season, the side have been placing a huge emphasis on their discipline and after last Sunday's thrilling minor semi-final win over Lithgow Workies, it all might have clicked.
They will get the chance to prove it in Sunday's preliminary final against Orange Hawks. On offer is a spot in the grand final alongside Bathurst Panthers.
With the potential to play in the biggest game of the season, the red and white outfit are roaring to go but one of the squad's leading men, Jared Robinson says going up against the minor premiers won't be easy.
"The atmosphere is good around the group, the boys know what is on the line and are keen at the prospect of potentially playing in the grand final," he said.
"Hawks were minor premiers for a reason, they are a good side. I don't think they will change what works for them - big forwards rolling through the middle to allow Willie [Heta] time and space to play out the back.
"At the end of the day it's just a game of footy."
The Dragons managed to better Hawks in their first meeting of 2019 - posting a 32-8 victory - while nine rounds later, the Orange side squared the ledger with a 32-26 win.
Robinson believes those results point one almighty clash in the preliminary final.
"Both teams want to win, it's 1-all so far so it should be a close contest," Robinson said.
Heading into the game, Robinson says it's the usual things the squad need to work on to maximise their chances at a grand final appearance that would mean everything to the club.
"We need to complete our sets and work on our discipline, limit the silly penalties and field position we give away, and also build some pressure," he said.
"Obviously making the grand final would be huge for the club and it would be a great recognition of all the hard work the players of all grades and the whole committee has put in over the season."
Robinson says his captain-coach, Jack Littlejohn and Hamish Bryant will be critical on Sunday.
"I think the talk and direction Jack Littlejohn provides could be pivotal. Also Hamish Bryant backing up from his massive game last week. He loves this time of the year and is made for finals footy," Robinson said.
The Mudgee Dragons will take on the Orange Hawks from 2pm Sunday at Wade Park.
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Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
