BROCK-BURRUM big man Matt Seiter is under no illusion as to the importance of the final month of the season are to the Saints premiership aspirations.
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Although the Saints are on top of the ladder with a 12-2 record, they certainly can't afford to let their guard down in the countdown to finals.
The defending premier faces Osborne on Saturday in what many are predicting will be a grand final preview.
Challenging assignments against Henty and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla await in the fortnight after with both sides still fighting for a finals berth.
Seiter said last week's upset loss against Holbrook was a classic example of what can happen if you let your guard down.
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"We were off last week and Holbrook came to play," Seiter said.
"Holbrook were playing for their finals survival and no doubt treated it as their biggest match of the year.
"It was a spirited performance and they certainly had a crack - we didn't."
Last week the Saints were missing Ron and Joe Boulton, Willson Mack, Luke Schilg, Jarod Koschitzke and Aaron Livermore.
Ron Boulton and Mack will be definite inclusions while Schilg and Joe Boulton are also in the mix to return.
Premiership coach Kade Stevens is unavailable with Darryn McKimmie calling the shots on the weekend.
"Darryn being a premiership coach at the club is well respected," he said.
"Not only as a ripping bloke and clubman but his football knowledge and his ability to get the best out of players.
"Everyone at the club looks up to him and if you want some honest feedback about how you are playing, ask Darryn - he won't sugar coat it."
Brock-Burrum scored a comfortable 38-point victory when the sides met earlier in the season.
Seiter said both sides had improved significantly since the round four encounter.
"I thought we certainly played well last time, while they were below their best," he said.
"Probably similar to us last week against Holbrook."
Osborne coach Matt Rava agreed with Seiter's assessment.
"I thought we started the match really well last time and had a lot of opportunities in the first quarter where we didn't capitalise," he said.
"Brock-Burrum showed what a good side is capable of when you don't capitalise.
"They took their opportunities when they presented themselves and we probably dropped our heads a bit.
"But we learnt a lot and have shown a lot of character in the last month when challenged.
"We will have no excuses if we get beat on Saturday."
