Nelson Bay Marlins coach Sean McGrath put it pretty simply.
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"We're looking better than last week."
We're looking better than last week."
- Nelson Bay coach Sean McGrath
McGrath said he was confident the Marlins would give visiting Killarney Vale a run for their money at Dick Burwell Oval on Saturday following last weekend's "disappointing" Black Diamond Cup forfeit.
Nelson Bay are last on the competition ladder and the Bombers are well entrenched in fourth.
"We're almost at full strength, minus a couple of our RAAF guys, and it looks like we'll have 21 players at this stage," McGrath said.
"We were pretty competitive with Killarney Vale last time. We played three-and-a-half quarters with only 17 on the field because we lost three blokes in the opening 10 minutes.
"Hopefully we can keep everyone on the park and make a good go of it this weekend."
The Marlins opted not to travel to the Central Coast in round 13.
"We had a few boys overseas, a couple of injuries and some RAAF appointments," McGrath said.
"We only had 14 fit guys and it wouldn't have been beneficial for anyone."
Nelson Bay have both Josh Bennett and Nick Harris (work) unavailable as well as Tim Anderson and Jason Carey (overseas).
Corey Shackleton and Scott Reed are ins for Killarney Vale.
Elsewhere in round 14 on Saturday and Jake Roach returns from injury to notch up his 150th first grade game for Warners Bay when the Bulldogs travel to meet Gosford at Adcock Park.
"Jake has been a club stalwart, leader and a footballer who can win the game off his own boot," the Bulldogs posted in a tribute for AFL Hunter Central Coast media.
"He has been an even better bloke and a loyal friend to his many teammates in the club across his journey. He has played with passion and represented the club well and we wish him all the best for game 150."
Warners Bay are sixth on the overall standings and eight points clear of Gosford, who sit eighth with five rounds remaining.
Maitland, now seventh and one win outside the top six after four wins from their last seven appearances, are away to joint leaders Terrigal Avoca at Hylton Moore Oval.
Newcastle City, level with the Panthers on top of the table, are minus Cameron Keast against Wyong Lakes at No.1 Sportsground.
Third-placed Cardiff, one win behind the frontrunners, visit Singleton without the likes of Black Diamond Cup leading goal kicker Izaac Hughes, 2019 Anzac Medal recipient Bryce Graetz and Simon O'Brien.
All matches in the top grade kick-off at 2pm.
Meanwhile, Cardiff announced on Friday that former Sydney Swans star Michael O'Laughlin would be the guest speaker for a club function at Pasterfield Sports Complex on August 10.