A win to the Dragons this weekend will net a 2-1 series victory over Cairns and launch their late-season campaign to claim sixth spot on the ladder.

With just four rounds remaining in the Philips Championship season, it’s now or never for the Dragons to mount a charge.

Such is the significance of Sunday’s result that Shane Heal opted out of Wednesday’s cross-town blockbuster to rest his injured calf; as teams jostle for final ladder positions a win over the Taipans becomes far more valuable to the Dragons’ cause than any result against Melbourne.

The Dragons are hungry for the win this weekend and for no greater reason than to set up a finals showdown against their local foes; should the Dragons snare sixth position and Melbourne finish third, the two will square off in Round 2 of the play-off series.

A finals derby against the Tigers is a tantalising thought and will prove a key motivator for South come Sunday night.

The Dragons trained at Geelong Arena on Monday and know the venue well but it will be alien territory for their northern rivals. Shane Heal will return to the Dragons’ line-up for the clash and, given the recent form of Rosell Ellis and Joe Ingles, there’s reason to be excited about this clash.

To send the Tigers packing in the finals is the dream.

A win over the Taipans this weekend must become the reality.

South Dragons v Cairns Taipans
Sunday January 14, 2007 @ Geelong Arena
Tip-off 6:00pm