“We have had an up-and-down year but we know when we stick to our structures we can beat anyone,” Powell said.

“Almo (Marc Almond) is big on his structures.

“He’s not too happy when we go away from them.

“The last few weeks we have had good wins against Thurgoona and Mitta when we stuck to the plan.

“When we go away from them we seem to lose our heads a bit more.”

Powell has played a major role in the Bombers sitting fifth on the ladder with three rounds remaining and his trademark dash and workrate will be pivotal in Saturday’s crunch match against Chiltern at Dederang.

The Bombers can virtually stitch up a finals spot with victory, but will drop to sixth if they go down.

Despite Powell being only 20, victory means everything to him.

He came through the club’s juniors before spending a season in Darwin with Waratahs’ under-15s.

Powell played a handful of matches for the Murray Bushrangers in an injury-interrupted year and has since notched up 70 senior matches for Dederang-Mount Beauty.

“I think I’m starting to get a bit more consistent and finding a bit more of the footy,” he said.

“It’s just workrate, being a bit older and maturing a bit.

“At the moment I just want to play finals.

“That would mean a lot, being my home club.”

Powell’s brother Luke also plays seniors for the Bombers.

Almond said Powell had improved dramatically in his time at the club, with his strong ethic and ability to find his way out of traffic putting him above most TDFL players.

“His training standard sticks out to me, for a young bloke,” Almond said.

“He’s an animal on the training track.”

Dederang-Mount Beauty is expected to regain defender Matt Lee, Guy Booker and Troy Price for Saturday’s match, with Lee the most likely match-up for Swan star Mark Doolan.

Almond said winning was crucial, with the Bombers playing Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Tallangatta in the final two rounds.

“It’s do or die,” he said.