Though Wests have generally gotten the better of their meetings, matches between the two are always hotly contested, and the Geckos claimed a long-awaited win in their last clash.

So it is fitting that this weekend, in the final regular round, the two will meet once again with the minor premiership on the line.

With Wests on top of the ladder and Goulburn in second by a matter of three points, the Geckos have a chance of jumping into first with a strong win.

Finishing on top of the ladder, however, is not the focus of the team according to coach Jake Staines. Instead, he will treat it like any other match.

"If I tell everyone there's a minor premiership on the line, it'll get into our heads," Staines said.

"I'm not too fussed on working up the game, because minor premierships are good and all, but that's not what I'm aiming for. I'm aiming for a grand final win."

The last match between Wests and Goulburn, in round 14, went the way of the latter, 3-2. This win, Staines said, gave the Geckos belief that they could claim the title which has eluded them since 2017.

Instead of working hard on fitness or skills this past week, as many coaches might be tempted to do, Staines has instead run enjoyable training sessions for his players to build up their excitement ahead of today's match.

"Everyone now thinks [beating Wests] is achievable," he said.

"I'm aiming for blokes to enjoy training this week. I've spoken to other fellas who think we should do fitness, but what's done is done over the year. It's not going to improve in two weeks.

"What I'm aiming to achieve this week is to keep blokes interested and make them want to be a part of it, rather than try to overcomplicate it."

There is, however, one drawback for the Geckos this weekend. They will take to the field without their highest goalscorer for the past two years: Ben Staines.

Ben left earlier this week for Perth, where he will take part in a Kookaburras training camp, but the Geckos have prepared for his departure for some time.

"We knew about it over a month ago, so every game since we've played Ben in positions where we don't need him there," Jake said.

"We tried to adjust without him so that when he's not there it won't be a shock. As much as it will be a big loss, I think we've prepared for it pretty well."

The outcome of today's match will have a significant impact on the finals fixtures.

If Goulburn win and claim top spot, they will play the fourth-ranked team in one of Tuesday's two semi-finals. Should they lose and remain in second, they will play the third-ranked team in the other semi.

Third and fourth place will also be decided today. Central is currently third with United fourth, but both have the same win/loss ratio and are only separated by their for-and-against scores.

The winners of both semi-finals will progress straight to the grand final next Saturday, October 31.

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