Having finished fourth at the end of the regular season, the Royal Hotel/Think Technology Redbacks have to defeat third-placed ANU at Lyneham on Saturday to progress to the penultimate final against the loser of Belsouth (1) and Belconnen (2).

Towards the conclusion of the home and away fixtures, the Redbacks were harbouring ambitions to claim the minor premiership. However a spate of injuries led to the Division 7 side flailing slightly to have to settle for a minor semi berth.

The good news for the Redbacks is that they have beaten ANU this season. The bad news is in their last clash, in round 13, they were blown off the park 6-2.

Although the result is fresh in his players minds, coach Gary Lennon believes they are ready to overturn the result.

"We had 18 at training last night and they trained really well, everyone was looking sharp," he said.

"ANU touched us up last time but we beat them before that, so I expect a pretty close game."

Two of the side's best players are expected to be out this week, in Mitch Darmody and Cameron Betts, but Lennon says they still have the necessary strike power.

"Obviously we look to Mitch for goals but fingers crossed his brother Brett and Daniel Taylor can cover him. We've also got John Mannweiler, who has scored five goals in the last six weeks."

They also have the advantage of going into the knockout final on the back of a 3-0 win against Tuggeranong. Mannweiler scored a double and Ron Cover also found the back of the net.

Both semi finals will be played at Lyneham on Saturday with the Redbacks kicking off at 2.30pm.