Warrnambool and District league teams ready to tackle final round

The Power will test players in new roles with Melbourne's continued coronavirus lockdown leaving four of its stars sidelined for their round 18 match against Timboon Demons.

Key forwards Ben Fraser and Jacob Mahony, silky midfielder Jason Moloney and on-ball bull Tom McKenzie are unable to play due to restrictions in the state's capital.

"We're more disappointed for those players because they're as invested as any of our players," playing-coach Ben Walsh said.

"If it has been extended for another week there's a chance we won't have them for the first week of finals so this weekend gives us a chance to throw it around and see what it looks like in case we don't have them.

"We would prefer to have them but if we don't we back ourselves to pick a side to win against any opposition.

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"We've shown when you give young players responsibility they stand up and that'll be the plan this weekend.

"Some guys will have to step up in different roles but we have full faith and again in the first final we will back them in again."

Dennington coach Ben Thornton said his side, which is yet to win a game, was eager to enjoy its final match and finish the season strong.

"We'll try and have as much enjoyment as we can and have a bit of fun with the week," he said.

"We did a bit of a match sim (on Tuesday) and we'll try to keep the boys happy being up there as it's hard to get going knowing it's our last week and we're not playing finals.

"We'll have a bit of fun and do some gathering for the game plan to work on over pre-season."

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Nirranda coach Steph Townsend said her ladder-leading netball side was eager to get on court.

"From a personal point of view it's quite good for us obviously given we have the first week of finals off," she said.

"COVID is being a real pain for every side not just us, so it'll be nice to have another hit-out just before we have another week off."

The playing-mentor said the Blues would use the final round to work on their structures ahead of a premiership tilt.

The race for the final top-five spot in the senior football will be decided this weekend with South Rovers (fifth) playing Old Collegians (seventh).

Russells Creek (sixth), which is equal with the Lions and Warriors, needs to beat Panmure and hope South Rovers loses to steal the last finals spot.

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