Outright result only way for rivals to go

JACOB GRAMS A PERFECT 10 performance in a finals-type game could be a springboard to a title challenge but United and Rovers know they have plenty to do to even come close.

Rovers were the early runaway competition leaders but have been sitting on the sidelines for close to a month watching the season slip away, while United were made to pay last week for a lacklustre performance at the hand of Atherton, leaving both clubs desperate for outright result to command a finals place.

United skipper Kieren Gibbs said his side would need a lot of luck go their way to sway a traditionally even ledger for a landslide win.

“We’ve got a big job to turn it around,” he said.

“The boys let me down after some of the stuff that was in the paper last week, but we’ve just got to cop it on the chin and move on.

“They haven’t played for about a month, but after last week it’s hard to really gauge where we’re at. I think we’re going to have to get an outright to squeeze in.

“The games we play against Rovers, they’re normally pretty close games. I don’t really know what’s going to happen.”

But Gibbs was hopeful if the stars aligned and they won the race with Rovers and Norths for what will likely be third place, it could give United a boost in momentum to take them to into a grand final.

Rovers all-rounder Dan Kearney said their time away from the pitch would make the players keener to get out there and make a last-ditch semifinal bid.

“After being on top for so much of the season, there’s probably a bit of pride on the line for us,” he said.

“We’ll just need to take care of our own result and what happens, happens.”

Norths will be aiming for at least a first innings win against Mulgrave to give themselves the best chance of a finals spot, but an outright win by United or Rovers could put that in jeopardy.

Barron host Atherton in the other game at Crathern Park.