For the West Canberra Wanderers, their clash against Canberra Croatia FC has come at the perfect time.

“I think in some ways playing a team like Croatia is just what we need,” Wanderers goalkeeper Mason Interlandi said.

“That big challenge you know, the boys are fired up and we’re ready to go, to hopefully get back to winning ways and be in the top four come finals.”

Just shy in 6^th place on 19 points, it wasn’t too long ago they were top of the table.

“It’s been a frustrating run of results for us, I think we started the season so well, but we knew it was going to be a long year,” Interlandi said.

“Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t, but I think it’s our comradery and unity that means we can turn things around.

“It’s been a wild season, with the exception of a couple spots, everything is so tight on the ladder.”

This will be the third time the two sides have met in the NPL in 2021, the Wanderers getting one up on Croatia in Round 3, before Croatia secured a 5-0 victory in Round 10.

“I think it’s been a coming of age season for the club in a lot of ways, for the boys as well. So many people have stepped up this year and proved they can match it with the best and be top players in this league and hopefully at a professional level moving forward.

“There’s a lot of positivity, we spoke this week about our togetherness and unity as a real strength, that sets us apart from a lot of teams in the league and it’s something we will rely on going into this weekend.

“It’s definitely a massive game, Canberra Croatia are obviously one of the stronger teams in the league, and we know on their day they can beat anyone, but we’ve proven we can do the same this year and we’ll be looking to get a result this weekend.”

West Canberra Wanderers head to Deakin Stadium on Sunday, to take on Canberra Croatia FC from 3pm.