It's been a long season but motivation is no problem for a Maitland Magpies team which can add the title national champions with two more wins.
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It's the Magpies last game at home for the year on Saturday and the club is hoping for a huge roll-up of fans to support their quest to make the NPL Finals Series grand final.
Maitland hosts Brisbane team Lions FC in Saturday's NPL Finals Series semi-final at Cooks Square Park and a win will deliver them a place in the grand final against either Perth SC or Wollongong Wolves who meet in the other semi-final.
The Magpies defeated Tasmanian team Devonport Strikers in last Saturday's quarter-final showdown at Cooks Square Park and coach Mick Bolch said the chance of national glory had sharpened preparations this week.
"It's the season that never ends," Bolch joked.
"Once that competitive nature strikes, they just go again. They were really good at training, they'll be up for the match on the weekend again.
"Finishing has been a bit of a problem all year for us, but you couldn't knock their commitment or effort.
"It was a win on limited preparation. We probably took a bit more relaxed approach into it on the weekend.
"Now we are one game away from the final, the boys are a lot more focused on the game."
There's no doubt that Perth would be the favoured opponent for the grand final.
"A trip to Perth and a national title would be a great way to finish a fantastic year," Bolch said.
The Magpies will be without leading scorer Joel Wood, Matt Swan, Ryan Clarke and Grant Brown on Saturday, but will welcome back Nick Cowburn who missed the clash against Devonport.
The Magpies young guns Sean Pratt, Tommy Davies, Jimmy Thompson and Zac Thomas stood tall against the Strikers.
Pratt was dynamic in a starting role and Bolch is confident his performance was a portent of a big 2020 for the young midfielder/forward.
"I liked Pratty very much in the No.9 last week. He put himself about, he got himself in some good areas and scored a good goal.
"Hopefully he has a good off season and comes back in the starting 11 next year, that's the plan for him.
"I'm expecting a big season from him next year."
The Magpies are banking on the continued development of players such as Pratt and Tommy Duggan to keep the side at the top of the heap in 2020 and beyond.
The only player from this year's squad yet to re-sign is Matt Thompson who is still in talks with the club.
"Nick Cowburn has re-signed with us and we've got some really exciting players coming through so we haven't really looked at signing anyone from outside," Bolch said.
"I think having a pre-season under his belt and playing every week will be great for Nick
"A lot of people forget he came to us without having much game time with the Jets. He has been huge for us at the back of the year.
"I'm expecting really big things from Tommy Duggan next year. He turns 20 and has had some great cameos already."