Azzurri have bounced back from three losses to start their tenure under Law this year to be fifth and a win away against last-placed Lake Macquarie on Sunday from the club's first finals appearance since 2014.

A final-round victory at Macquarie Field will take them to 23 points and a top-five finals spot. A draw or loss will open the door for Lambton Jaffas (18 points) to leapfrog them with a win over Broadmeadow at Magic Park. Jaffas could also knock out fourth-placed Olympic (20 points) who are away to Valentine. Premiers Edgeworth (30), Broadmeadow (25) and Maitland (22) are safely in the five.

Charlestown were in a similar position last year but lost in the final round 1-0 to Magic to miss the play-offs. The club then changed coach and committees, while also losing several key players, including Adam Hughes and Riley McNaughton.

Experienced players Matt Tull, Scott Smith, Kane Goodchild, Kev Davison, Rene Ferguson and keeper Nathan Archbold remained but Law wanted an injection of youth to spark the squad.

He brought in Jackson Frendo, Regan Lundy, Callum Bower and Riley Smith, who have all been regular contributors this year.

Law has jokingly dubbed the youngsters, together with Zac Lloyd, the "Spice Girls" and he believes their mix with the established players has helped get the best out of the group this season.

"Our mix of senior players and the Spice Girls is just a nice little blend," Law said. "It's good little banter.

"There's a real, genuine respect amongst each other there, but you should see them in training. It's always young v old and it's brilliant.

"There's times I need to chill them out a bit. It was getting a bit feisty last night."

Captain Tull (suspension) and Riley Smith (injury) remain sidelined and Law expected to field an unchanged starting line-up from the one that defeated Broadmeadow 2-0 last week.

Law was not taking Lake Macquarie lightly, especially given their 1-1 draw in round four and the Roosters' desire to avoid the wooden spoon. Lakes are on four points, one behind Adamstown, who are away to Edgeworth.

"We might set up slightly different, given the importance of winning the game," he said. "We are well known this year for sitting in and being very difficult to break down but we will try and play a little more expansive."

Broadmeadow coach Anthony Richards will not risk any injured players but he said his side will be keen to end the Jaffas' season.

"If the Jaffas made the semis, they are a very good side and a real good chance of winning it, even if they come in at fifth," Richards said. "They have those big-game players, so to not have them there would I guess do everyone a favour."

Weston (18) and Maitland have the bye. All games are 5pm Sunday.

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