TAMWORTH FC may have won their second consecutive Premier League minor premiership, but head coach Greg Bartlett concedes "the job is only half done".
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The reigning premiers will take on Oxley Vale Attunga in the final round of the home and away season at Scully Park on Saturday after having a bye last week.
However, Bartlett believes the bye "didn't make much difference" to his side's chances of victory.
"We are going to be missing four or five of our regular first grade players for Saturday's game, so the bye wasn't too much help," Bartlett told the Leader.
"Having those guys out will mean a few players from reserve grade will have to step up and that isn't ideal because our reserve grade side is still fighting for a finals spot.
"They need to win to ensure they get there, otherwise they could finish as low as sixth."
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Bartlett said Saturday's scenario wasn't "too different from last year's run to the finals".
"A lot of the guys that are missing are sitting out because they are in yellow card trouble, and we can't afford for them to get another one and miss a final," he said.
"The cards get wiped at the start of the finals, so for us having them sit out is just a course of action we have to take.
"It's not ideal given the position reserve grade is in because it is about club success for us and ensuring both sides get through.
"However, I'm confident reserve grade can overcome the challenge and book a finals spot."
Bartlett said claiming the Premier League minor premiership was only half of his side's goals for 2019.
"It is great to win our second minor premiership in a row, but we are only half way there," he said.
"We will be looking to gain some momentum on Saturday, but we are really looking to have both sides make the finals.
"So, we will be out in force to support our reserve grade side and hopefully helping them earn a finals spot."
Saturday's reserve grade clash will begin at 3pm, followed by the first grade clash from 5pm.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
