And the former Jets winger is expecting Magic to need both to topple a resurgent Bears at Weston on Sunday.

Broadmeadow are third on 31 points, one behind Weston heading into round 19 of 22. Four-time defending premiers Edgeworth, who have the bye, lead on 35. However, Broadmeadow have two games in hand, and Weston one, on Edgeworth.

Broadmeadow downed the Eagles in the grand final last year, but they have dropped points to lower-ranked sides in recent seasons to fall short in the premiership battle.

Last week, Virgili was denied from the penalty spot early but then scored in the 81^st minute to salvage a 2-1 win over Valentine.

"It felt towards the end that it was going to be one of those games where we drop points, and it could affect the premiership," Virgili said.

"But we've been quite good this year. I don't know if we would have done that as much last year, but this year when we've needed a goal late, we've been able to pull through."

In recent seasons, Weston were one of the lower-ranked teams, but under rookie coach Kew Jaliens, the Bears are now a premiership force.

Virgili has been impressed with what his ex-Jets teammate has achieved.

"We played them in the first round and they are probably one of the best teams we've come up against this year," he said.

"Although we won 5-3, we got two goals in the first two minutes. For the rest of the game it was tight.

"I think this weekend we're expecting the same for the full 90. Up there, it's always a tough game regardless."

Despite their position, Magic have had their distractions and setbacks. Coach Ruben Zadkovich, who was suspended last week, this week announced he would pursue opportunities outside the region after this season.

Star mid-year signing Andrew Hoole has featured just twice because of a foot injury and Kale Bradbery is overseas on holiday for one more week. Jon Griffiths is suspended this weekend.

Virgili, though, said the group was well-equipped to handle any obstacles.

"It's quite an experienced group," he said.

"A lot of the guys have won multiple grand finals and premierships at the club, and the ones who haven't, have played at a high level.

"We're in a position where we can win the premiership, but because the table is so tight, you try not to look at it too much. We just try to take each week as it comes."

Virgili also expected the likes of Hoole and Bradbery to lift for Magic's late surge at silverware.

"Hooley's had a foot injury since he joined us but he's pretty much back in full training," he said.

"At training he's been looking good and at some point he'll play quite an important role for us.

"Kale is coming back next week as well, so coming into finals we should have pretty much everyone on deck, which will be good timing.

"We do have a few players out but as a club we're lucky enough that out depth has always been pretty good.

"We've usually been able to handle an injury or two, or suspensions. It shouldn't change how we play too much."

Weston have Zac Sneddon out suspended.

On Friday night, fourth-placed Maitland moved to 30 points with a 3-2 win over Lake Macquarie.

Alex Read scored off a James Thompson run in behind and cross in the 23rd minute. Joel Wood converted from the spot for 2-0 to Maitland in the 38th minute after Read was fouled.

Lake Macquarie responded in the 59th minute through Nick Charlesworth but Wood struck in the 85th with a composed finish after racing away off a counterattack.

Lake Macquarie skipper Sam Walker scored in the first minute of stoppage time with a strike from an acute angle to put a scare through the Magpies.

On Saturday, sixth-placed Lambton Jaffas (24) play the Jets Youth from 2.30pm and Hamilton host Adamstown at 5pm. Fifth-placed Charlestown (25) welcome cellar-dwellers Valentine on Sunday.