Semis start early for Souths this weekend with the Lions facing two must-win games to finish the Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League regular rounds if they are any chance of featuring in the 2019 play-offs.
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Souths (15) sit fifth on the competition ladder, three points behind upcoming opponents Maitland and Wests (18), and need results immediately to make the top four.
"We've put ourselves in this position and now it's all up to us," Souths coach John Fernance said.
The experienced mentor said the Lions would be at "full strength for the first time this season" with Darby Chalmers returning from a long-term knee injury.
"We've had as many as seven out at some stages," he said.
Souths visit the Rams on Sunday. Elsewhere in round 19 and Wests meet second-placed Norths (27) in Newcastle while leaders Gosford (30) host University (0) on the Central Coast.
In the Newcastle women's top division at Broadmeadow on Saturday and Oxfords tackle Central, University clash with The Entrance while Souths battle it out with Gosford. Tigers are away to Erina-Avoca Beach.