The third-place Magpies will host the second-placed Lions on Saturday afternoon, with just four points separating the two sides on the ladder.
A Moama win by three goals or more should see them move ahead of the Lions into second on percentage, while a Mulwala victory would almost squash the Magpies’ hopes of a top-two finish.
With plenty on the line Moama coach Sam Sheldon acknowledged the clash is a big occasion, but said his side would be approaching it just like any other game.
“If we can pull it off, it’s a big win. It would be a big win for the club,” Sheldon said.
“We just have to focus on getting ourselves right to give us a chance to do that.
“As a side as you mature you get better at producing the same week in, week out, no matter the circumstance.
“That’s the goal — we are trying to get that consistent effort and output from our side, regardless of how big or small the game is. The idea is to get the same result regardless of who you are playing.”
The two sides met earlier this season, with the Lions cruising to a comfortable 70-point win back in round seven.
Sheldon said there were some lessons that could be learnt from that performance.
“Last time we played Mulwala they were an exceptional outfit and they put us to the sword,” Sheldon said.
“This week will be about earning some respect back after that game and being able to hold our own against a big, mature-bodied side.
“We have to match them with the hard ball inside otherwise we are no chance, it all starts from there.”
Sheldon said he was expecting a younger Magpies side to take the field on Saturday, with a number of key players still sidelined due to injury.
Josh Pell, Axel Childs, Jack Russell and Sheldon himself are all out with various injuries and will miss the clash against the Lions.
Saturday’s clash against Mulwala is the first in a tough stretch of fixtures, with games against Cobram and Tongala coming up afterwards.
“The next three weeks are three big games for us against stronger clubs in the league,” he said.
“It will be a good test for us, it will give us a good look at everything going forward and what we need to do to get better. We are looking forward to it as a club.”
Saturday’s game will kick off at 2pm at Jack Eddy Oval.
13°C