JETTY Flat Rangers will regain a host of key players for their Warrnambool District Soccer League second semi-final this weekend.
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A lack of numbers forced the Rangers to forfeit their last match of the regular season, with the default 6-0 loss to Thunder Hawks their only defeat of the season.
They finished on top of the ladder with 40 points, 10 clear of second-ranked Merri Stingrays. The sides meet at Harris Street Reserve on Sunday, from 2.30pm.
Rangers midfielder Ellen Wines said playmakers Steve Shields and Engin Torun would return from overseas holidays in time for the clash.
Beau Arnold and Robert Beavan, who were unavailable for the round-15 clash, will also take their places in the line-up.
Wines was confident the Rangers could avenge the disappointment of the 2013 season when they finished on top but lost the grand final to Hamilton Raiders.
“We definitely have the potential to win. It’s just on the day how you play, I guess,” she said.
“We’ve got a few new players. They’re really strong in the midfield. Michael Romanes, our captain, he runs the midfield. He gives good direction.”
Wines said she was wary of the Stingrays. The Rangers lead the head-to-head ledger 2-0 with one draw, but all have been close.
“They’ve definitely improved and are working the ball a bit better compared to what they were at the start. It should be a good match,” she said.
Thunder Hawks (third, 28 points) and Hamilton Raiders (fourth, 22 points) meet in the first semi-final at Harris Street Reserve on Friday night, from 7pm.
The Hawks have won two of their three matches against the Raiders, both 2-1 triumphs.
But the Raiders took the honours in their most recent encounter 3-0.