By MARK CASHMAN

Gordon coach Darren Coleman is hoping that the nature of sudden death footy will bring the best out in the minor premiers as they prepare to take on Eastern Suburbs on Saturday.

On the line is a spot in the Shute Shield premiership decider at Leichhardt Oval on October 31 and the Highlanders boss believes the clunky nature of the 15-14 win over Randwick last weekend was an aberration.

Coleman says that his side didn’t become a bad footy side in the space of a week and he is looking forward to a reaction.

“Last week’s game was a strange one,” Coleman said.

“Playing knowing you are going through to the next week regardless and with no clear advantage by winning or losing is an interesting mental dynamic.

“Randwick played well and were unlucky to lose but I must say that we defended a lot and with passion and commitment.”

There were oodles of “work ons” though.

“Our set piece was below standard. Our thrower had a rare off day before he got injured and our scrum was inconsistent,” Coleman added.

“This combined with no pay at the tackle contest meant we had less ball than we have had in any game this year.

“I’m confident with more at stake this week those things will return to the standards we’ve had prior.”

Coleman has been able to welcome Mahe Vailanu back after he was blue carded in the last round game against Eastwood.

Vailanu comes straight back in at hooker in place of Robbie Abel who rolled his ankle in the game against the Wicks.

Gordon has also been able to name Brandon Quinn on the wing and if he gets on the field it will add some genuine gas out wide.

The big out at the Beasties is Rob Leota who broke his ankle in the final play of their upset 29-20 loss to Eastwood last weekend.

Easts though are blessed with depth in their top squad and coach Pauli Taumoepeau has been able to bring Sam Shires in to team with the impressive Charlie Gamble and Dean Oakman-Hunt.

Taumoepeau says they are in a good place this week.

“It’s been a positive week. The boys are in a good headspace and looking forward to this challenge,” Taumoepeau said.

“Gordon are a well balanced side. This just forces us to be smart across the park.

“We can’t get too ahead with our defensive reads and we can’t get caught playing neutral rugby.

“Gordon have gone from strength to strength. They started off well and seemed to just get into a groove with the one hiccup against Norths.

“I’d like to think we’ve been able to build combinations and confidence in how we’re playing.”

This will be one hell of a contest and to be honest it’s a shame that only one of these teams will be in the big dance next weekend.

GORDON (1-15):

Charlie Abel, Mahe Vailanu, Dom Hardman, Jack Margin, Peter Chanel-Tagaloa, Jack Dempsey, Tom Silk, Jordy Goddard (c), Harrison Goddard, Rod Iona, Ahmu Tuimalealifano, Joey Walton, Tautalatasi Tasi, Brandon Quinn, Reece MacDonald.

EASTERN SUBURBS (1-15):

Vunipola Fifita, Moli Sooaemalelagi, Archer Holz, Ryan McCauley, Jack Digby, Sam Shires, Charlie Gamble, Dean Oakman-Hunt, Jack Grant (c), Cohan Guerra, Henry Paterson, Lalaki Foketi, Alex Newsome, Richie Woolf, Dan Donato.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY