Instead, they will be trying to get best out of their squads in the Northern NSW NPL qualifying semi-final at Magic Park on Saturday night (6.30pm).

Richards has taken Broadmeadow to second place, while Tagaroulias has guided Newcastle Olympic to third and back to the finals for the first time since 2017.

Both have provided a steady hand as caretaker coaches in the COVID-hit season, which is running until November 8 instead of the usual finish in September.

Richards took over this year but told Magic he could not commit to 2021. Damian Zane will coach them next season.

Tagaroulias, Olympic's technical director, stepped up after the club parted ways with Peter McGuinness on season's eve. Joel Griffiths will take over next year.

Players from both sides have praised the work of their experienced mentors in difficult circumstances.

The coaches themselves were looking forward to the finals battle, which decides who faces premiers Edgeworth next week for a grand final spot. The loser plays the winner of Saturday's Charlestown Azzurri versus Maitland elimination semi at Lisle Carr Oval (5pm).

"It's nice to be opposing him," Tagaroulias said.

"I have a lot of affection for Anthony. He's a great bloke and a great friend, and I just wish him all the very best ... up to a certain point.

"It's going to be tough this weekend. It looks like we've both got healthy squads. Hopefully it will be a ding-dong battle and if the good guys win, the drinks will taste better on Saturday night."

Richards said: "I agree with him 100 per cent, as long as the good guys win."

Magic overcame a half-time deficit to win 3-1 in their only clash this season but both coaches expected Olympic to improve.

"I'd like to think we are better now," Tagaroulias said. "We've got more people and we're fitter, but only time will tell. I think the results around us have helped us along the way, but in the final couple of rounds when we needed to win, the guys stood up and won them."

Richards said of Olympic: "Blake Green is back and any side he's involved in is dangerous. They will be a different side, they've had a full year together now and they will be a lot fitter and sharper. Watching them last weekend, they were quite good."

Tagaroulias expected to have an unchanged squad from the 3-0 win over Valentine last week, while Richards said "I think it's the first time all year we've had all players available".

Azzurri coach Graham Law said his squad would be full strength with the return of captain Matt Tull (suspension) and striker Riley Smith (injured). Maitland have lost Andrew Swan and Matt Comerford to season-ending knee injuries, while Mat Swan was in doubt.