Defeat second-placed Mulwala at Memorial Park this Saturday.
Since beginning the season a disappointing 1-4, there has arguably been no more impressive side in Murray League football than Congupna, who has reeled off 11 wins from its past 12 matches to announce itself as a genuine contender.
This has included statement victories over top six sides Moama (twice), Tongala and Deniliquin Rams.
The Road will now be desperate to add Mulwala to its list of scalps, in what coach Kevin O’Donoghue described as a great challenge to finish the home-and-away season.
“Coming up against one of the top sides, it is what you play football for,” O’Donoghue said.
“The Lions have been in the top two all year and have shown all year they are a great side, so we are really looking forward to testing ourselves against them on our home deck.
“Both sides have a lot to play for, they need to keep their spot in the top two, and we want to make sure we finish in that fourth or fifth spot to ensure we get that home final.
“So it is set to be a big game and we cannot wait.”
The second meeting between the two sides this season, Mulwala was too strong for the Road way back in round three, triumphing by 25 points in what was a high-scoring encounter at Lonsdale Oval.
O’Donoghue said his team learned a lot from that clash earlier in the year and had developed into a much stronger outfit since.
“They (Mulwala) run so deep in their midfield and have some real quality forwards, and in the end they were just a lot taller and bigger than us, which is something we need to overcome,” he said.
“But a lot has happened since then, that game was in round three and we are now in round 18, so I would like to think we are playing a bit better football and are a bit more settled with our lineup.”
Despite getting solid contributions all over the field, the trump card to Congupna’s recent success has without doubt been its dynamic forward line.
Headlined by the three-headed monster of Daniel Campbell, Jak Trewin and Daniel Schaper, O’Donoghue said the trio gave his team a pivotal point of difference.
“Our forwards have been great all year, they are just so consistent and if one guy gets held the other two always stand up,” he said.
“It is a great thing to have, not just relying on one person, we have got multiple players that can help us kick a winning score.
“I would hate to be coaching against them.”
For the Road, a win this weekend would ensure they cannot drop lower than fifth on the ladder, meaning they would play in the second elimination final at Memorial Park next weekend.
A loss meanwhile would mean they would be relying on Deniliquin Rams losing to Cobram to finish in fifth spot.
A win for Mulwala would see its spot in the top two — and an all-important double chance — confirmed, while a loss would see it at risk of falling to third if Tongala defeats Finley.
In team news, Congupna will welcome back a trio of key players, with Hugo Ingham, Kurt Allen and Brodie Newman all set to return.
Around the grounds, a victory over Deniliquin Rams would see Cobram secure the minor premiership.
For the Rams, a win could see them move up into fifth spot if other results go their way.
Tongala must beat Finley on the road this weekend to have any chance of jumping into the top two.
Moama will be hoping to lock in fourth spot on the ladder as it travels to Numurkah.
Kicked out of finals contention last week, Nathalia will be looking to finish its season on a high as it travels to Mercury Drive to face a winless Rumbalara.
Echuca United and Barooga will be playing for pride this weekend, as their disappointing 2022 seasons draw to a close.
