TAYLORS Lakes is expecting to be at nearly full strength when it faces Pascoe Vale in the second semi-final of the Essendon District Football League B-grade division on Saturday.

After earning the week off after finishing on top of the ladder, Lions coach Steve Burns said the team was in good condition ahead of an expected tough finals series. "We are pretty much at full strength going into the finals, which is where we like to be.

"We've been able to look after the boys the past few weeks with where we are sitting on the ladder.

"Six players came back into the side in the final round and the couple that are battling minor injuries are a chance to come in this week. Other than that we are looking really good at the moment."

Despite having the week off, Burns hasn't let his side take it easy.

"We trained normal on Tuesday and Thursday night and also had a light run Saturday morning as well. A couple of the boys haven't got as many games into them as would have liked, so the training will be beneficial for them. But saying that, the fresh legs should help us at this time of the season."

Even though the Lions have been the best team all season, losing only one match, it doesn't count for anything come finals time, according to Burns.

"Our loss to Hadfield in round 16 taught us a few things. All the sides have been playing really well towards the end of the season, so we will need to play our best football.

"We will have to front up to each match and hope that we can get the reward we deserve for all the effort we have put in."

The B-grade second semi-final is at Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn.

Tara Murray