New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton is confident his side will face Merewether in the Herald Women’s Premier League semi-finals regardless of what happens on Saturday in their round 19 clash.
Keelan believes, though, the chance to finish second in their first season will drive the Eagles at Alder Park.
Third-placed New Lambton are four points behind second-placed Merewether with three rounds to play.
Given Merewether must face leaders Warners Bay again, a win for New Lambton on Saturday could eventually lead to second spot. Third play second, and first take on fourth over two-leg semi-finals.
“In terms of the semi-finals, it doesn’t matter if you run second or third but our ambition is just to finish as high as we can, so it’s an important fixture,” Hamilton said. “Merewether can still catch Warners Bay, but I don’t see Warners Bay dropping their last two matches.
“Realistically, we know we have Merewether in the finals, so it’s definitely a pre-cursor to that.”
The Eagles will be missing key players Stacey Day and Joey Burgess, who have work commitments.
“It’s a shame because they are two of our more experienced players, however we are looking all right other than that,” he said.
“We’ve given debuts to eight teenagers this year, so we know we have players who can come in and give a good account of themselves.”
Warners Bay play Wallsend on Sunday at John Street Oval.
