The Leeton side will play Young on Sunday in Wagga, with very little separating the two teams. 

They have each recorded a victory against the other this season and both will be keen to ensure their finals appearance isn’t short-lived. 

United expects to welcome back several key players this weekend, including Joey Fondacaro, Erik Listmann and Adam Raso. 

Raso’s spot in the team will be dependant on a fitness test on Thursday night, but coaching staff expect he will pass. 

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Assistant coach Joe Trifogli said the side undertook a solid training session on Tuesday night, which was due to be followed up with a light run on Thursday. 

“There’s a lot we want to focus on this weekend,” he said. 

“It’s a new season now. 

“Anything can happen.”

As every teams steps up their game a notch in the finals, United will be looking to do the same and more. 

“Our structure will be key this weekend,” Trifogli said. 

“We want to position ourselves well in front of goal and not sit back. 

“If we let them have the run of play, they’ll make us pay.”

Young and United only met several weeks ago, where Leeton were left to rue missed opportunities in the 1-0 loss. 

It’s been a mixed season for United so far, but they managed to make it into the finals and now they plan to take a refreshed outlook into the elimination final. 

“We want to be taking our chances, especially in front of goal,” Trifogli said. 

“If there’s an opportunity to try and score, we’ve got to give it a go. There’s no second chances for us.”

United’s third grade team are also contesting the Blake Trophy this weekend, but their women’s side won’t be making a finals appearance this year after they were controversially stripped of three competition points last week. 

Supporters have been encouraged to head over to Rawlings Park on Sunday to cheer the team over the line. 

“We’re definitely confident, but it’s going to be a very, very tough game,” Trifogli said. 

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