THE make up of Yanco-Wamoon's side for their first finals match up against West Wyalong will likely be a mystery until closer to game time.
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Several players have been struck down with illness heading into the game at Yanco Sportsground on Sunday afternoon.
However, the biggest out of all is coach Troy Preston, who injured his knee against the Greens last weekend.
Preston said the injury wasn't an ACL and was hopeful he could still make a return this season.
"We are a bit low on troops this weekend, so we're sort of just waiting to see what happens," Preston said.
"The timing of it isn't good, but there's not much we can do.
"Three of four missed training earlier this week, but hopefully we can have a few recover and be ready for the weekend."
The Hawks might have lost last weekend's clash against the Greens, but that is only extra motivation heading into the West Wyalong game.
Both times Yanco-Wamoon and the Mallee Men have met this season, the wins have gone the way of the Hawks.
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Preston said the team will take that confidence into the match.
It's definitely good for the boys to know they can beat them ... that helps with the mindset," he said.
"We're pretty grateful the match is on our home turf too.
"If we had to play them over there, it would definitely make it much harder."
Yanco-Wamoon have had a reasonably consistent season, finishing the home and away games in second on the first grade ladder.
If they were to go down to the Mallee Men on Sunday afternoon, they will play the winner out of the Greens and Darlington Point-Coleambally.
A win will have them matching up with Waratah Tigers the following week.
Preston said the side's eyes were firmly focused on the task at hand.
"There's definitely some improvements we can make ... I think completing our sets, controlling the ruck and just getting away to a good start," Preston said.
"We didn't start too well last week against the Greens, but I was pretty happy with our second half. We've just got to stick to what we know."
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