HAVING to face the current AFL Darling Downs premiers at their home ground, Rockville Oval, on Saturday is a daunting task for the Redbacks.

At this stage, the Reddies may have to go into the major semi-final without two key players – Kurt Millard and Bryce Bodsworth.

Millard is battling a hamstring injury that kept him off the paddock in the final home and away fixture game and things are not looking good.

Bodsworth has a recurrence of a thigh injury and this will not be worth risking.

The second chance at a grand final appearance has become a blessing.

Key defender Steve Martin is also likely to miss this final with work commitments in Roma.

The Reddies have had a great season to date and are training well.

There are players that have stepped up to the mark when asked and the medical team led by Phil Strang and Sally Lancaster has been very effective in keeping players on the paddock.

The Warwick Water Rats have been of tremendous assistance in their offering of Risdon Oval so the Reddies could train under lights and on a number of occasions both codes have trained together, and this was to the advantage of both clubs.

The coaching staff and selection committee, both led by Peter Millard, at times has had just a bare minimum of players to work with and on other occasions a glut of players.

Either way, a selection headache has arisen.

On the occasions of plenty, the players that have missed out have copped it on the chin and turned themselves to running water, running messages and generally helping out as club support staff. These players, medical and selection staff are just as deserving of a slice of the celebrations should the Reddies bring home the big one.

The juniors have supported the seniors with guards of honour and running of the boundary and scoreboard and the home game supporter base has been fantastic.

The Reddies are a family club and whatever the final season’s outcome the teamwork at all levels, from the executive through to the sponsors and supporters and players, has been nothing short of superb.