The Pumas will face Hawkesdale/Macarthur at Penshurst in the penultimate game of the year, a team they have defeated twice during the home and away season by an average of 78 points.

That statistic would come as some comfort to coach Trent Fiscalini, who has spent this week marshalling his troops in a bid to keep their premiership aspirations alive.

Fiscalini said despite last week's surprise result against Tatyoon, he still found plenty of positives to take away from the match.

"The boys were disappointed with the loss, which is what you'd expect," he said.

"Some of our regular performers went missing on the day, but the beauty of it is we finished top for a reason and we get to fight again this week.

"There were positives to take away so I am not going to wipe the slate clean. Tatyoon are a good side and to only go down by 29 points when we haven't played anywhere near our best footy and we have still managed to stay in the contest, we've got to remain positive going forward this week."

Fiscalini will be forced to make at least two changes to his line-up with goal kicker Aaron McKinnis overseas for a family wedding, while Aidan Bell will miss the clash after being suspended for striking Hawks' forward John Butler.

Fiscalini said he and the club were extremely disappointed with the outcome of the report, with testimonies from Tatyoon players, including Butler, refuting the umpire's version of the incident, not enough to clear Bell.

The MDFL tribunal upheld the one match ban at a hearing on Tuesday night.

"I know umpiring is a tough caper, we all interpret the game differently which creates conflict," Fiscalini said.

"I'd like to thank Tatyoon for their assistance in the matter."

Jamie Elder is a chance to return to fill one of the vacant spots left by McKinnis and Bell, while the Pumas will need plenty of their top tier players to perform if they are to progress through to the season decider.

Tatyoon's end result of 16.12 (108) was the highest score conceded by Moyston/Willaura in 2014 and the side must improve its defensive pressure through the midfield and in the backline tomorrow.

With the Southern Eagles' forward-50 boasting Charlie Neild, who finished runner-up in the league goal kicking with 60 majors, along with Danny Chatfield and Lachlan Glare 35 goals each capable of performing cameo roles, the Pumas' defenders led by Rhys Cronin and Josh Day will need to be at the top of their game.

It will also be important for Josh Bywater and Luke Thomas to win the ball through the centre to limit Hawkesdale/Macarthur's opportunities, while Lachie Hamilton is a talented footballer with the ability to perform on the big stage and will be one of a few players Fiscalini will rely on to support full forward Daniel Guinane.

"Gunners was our best on ground last weekend and we need him to stand up again in this match. He is a good target that always manages to kick goals," Fiscalini said.

"We need to just make sure we stick to what we have been doing for the past 17-odd weeks and not stray from it on the back of last week.

"We'll remain positive, stick to our structures and hopefully can come away with another win, but we have to come to play in order to achieve that."

Tomorrow's umpire appointments

Seniors (2.15pm start)

Moyston/Willaura v Hawkesdale/Macarthur: Paul Spriggs and David Reynolds

Reserves (12noon start)

Hawkesdale/Macarthur v Wickliffe/Lake Bolac

Under 16s (9.30am start)

Lismore/Derrinallum v Moyston/Willaura:

Leo Mooney and WDUA