The Pumas have struggled to get a full team on the field throughout the season and this weekend the trend is looking to continue.

However, Moyston/Willaura coach Jacob Hamilton remains buoyant about his team’s prospects ahead of Sunday’s do-or-die match at Derrinallum. 

“We haven’t had the best of luck of late, it seems we’ll have another four (players) out this weekend. But hopefully we’ll be alright,” Hamilton said. 

"Training has been good though and everyone’s excited about this season’s finals campaign. We’re still optimistic – I still feel like we’ve got a good side even with four or five out.”

Two players that will definitely miss the Rams’ match are Josh Day (hip injury) and Adam Taylor (knee soreness). 

There were at least four players who didn’t train on Tuesday night and they faced a fitness test at the time The Ararat Advertiser was going to press. 

The finals build-up hasn’t been ideal for the Pumas, having lost their last two matches to Wickliffe/Lake Bolac and Tatyoon by a combined total of 180 points. 

Moyston/Willaura has to forget about the losses as its focus turns to Glenthompson/Dunkeld, who last weekend defeated Hawkesdale/Macarthur to cement its finals position. 

“They are a very tough team,” Hamilton said about the Rams. 

“They’ve got a lot of big bodies that will test us out. We expect them to show up with a pretty strong team on Sunday.”

While it has been difficult for Hamilton to pick a side, he outlined preparation as the key. 

“Every team has its obstacles, but it’s just a matter of the boys preparing the right way leading up to and on game day. If we are prepared, we’ll be the team to beat.” 

Meanwhile, Lismore/Derrinallum is set to meet Penshurst on Saturday in the qualifying final at Glenthompson. 

Umpire appointments: Elimination finals at Derrinallum – Seniors (2:15pm start) Moy/Will v Glen/Dunk: T Cooper, P Forsyth; Reserves (12pm) Hawkes/Mac v Pens: D Reynolds, P Spriggs; Under 16s (10am) Tatyoon v Hawk/Mac: L Mooney, S Walton (Car).