Following 15 rounds of "home and away" fixtures, the competition now moves into business end of the season this weekend.

While the Aberdeen first grade outfit tackles defending premiers Scone Thoroughbreds at Scone Park on Sunday, the club's reserves and under-18s face the Muswellbrook Rams and Thoroughbreds respectively in the minor semi-finals at Pirtek Park, Singleton, on Saturday.

"It's been a tough year, especially playing in a four-team format," McLean admitted.

"You're meeting the same side every two weeks.

"But, we're still proud of what we're doing - firsts finished second on the ladder, while the reserves and juniors claimed third spot.

"I don't believe we've hit our stride yet either.

"If we put in a full 80-minute performance, we'll give the comp a red-hot crack."

McLean is fully aware of the task ahead for the Tigers, who beat an under-strength Denman 50-0 in their last hit-out.

The Thoroughbreds, on the other hand, knocked over the Singleton Greyhounds 46-10 to maintain their undefeated record in 2019.

"Scone's clearly the team to beat," he said.

"However, no-one's unbeatable.

"We just need to match them for the entire game, not sections of it.

"And, I believe, we have the side, and strike power, to do it.

"The boys took part in an honesty session after the [Devils] encounter.

"Everyone's keen to sacrifice the next three weeks for the club - and give it their all.

"We're determined to make amends for last year's grand final loss [to Scone].

"It's obviously a motivating factor and made us hungrier.

"There's nothing better than beating the Thoroughbreds.

"But, the pressure's on them this season.

"Our goal is to win - and host the decider [at Aberdeen].

"It's every side's dream."

After moving across from the Rams, McLean's made every post a winner since linking with the Tigers in 2016.

"They've welcomed me with open arms," he said.

"I love the club, especially the camaraderie.

"Everyone supports each other - and they stick together as a group.

"They're a good bunch of people.

"I'm confident the Tigers can prevail when it counts - and cause an upset."

First grade - Scone defeated Singleton 46-10, Aberdeen defeated Denman 50-0

Reserve grade - Murrurundi defeated Greta Branxton 30-24, Scone defeated Singleton 30-16, Aberdeen defeated Merriwa 14-12, Muswellbrook defeated Denman 68-0

Under-18s - Muswellbrook defeated Denman 38-26, Singleton defeated Scone 62-6

League tag - Merriwa defeated Aberdeen 24-4, Scone defeated Singleton 36-0, Muswellbrook defeated Denman 58-0

First grade - Scone 30, Aberdeen 16, Singleton 10, Denman 4

Reserve grade - Scone 25, Merriwa 24, Aberdeen 23, Muswellbrook 18, Singleton 18, Murrurundi 4, Greta Branxton 2, Denman 2 (qualification breach Rd.4 DRLFC loss of 2 points; qualification breach Rd.5 Murrurundi loss of 2 points)

Under-18s - Singleton 29, Muswellbrook 21, Aberdeen 15, Scone 14, Denman 9 (qualification breach Rd.1 DRLFC loss of 2 points)

League tag - Scone 28, Murrurundi 26, Merriwa 21, Muswellbrook 15, Singleton 12, Aberdeen 12, Denman 2 (qualification breach Rd.1 DRLFC loss of 2 points; qualification breach Rd.1 Muswellbrook loss of 2 points)

Club championships - Scone Rugby League Football Club Inc 125.5, Aberdeen Rugby League Football Club Inc 87.5, Singleton United Rugby League Football Club Inc 82, Muswellbrook Rugby League Football Club Inc 56.5, Merriwa Rugby League Football Club Inc 46.5, Denman Rugby League Football Club Inc 27, Murrurundi Rugby League Football Club Inc 22, Greta Branxton Rugby League Football Club Inc 3

(Times to be confirmed)

11.45am: league tag, Merriwa v Muswellbrook

1pm: under-18s, Aberdeen v Scone

2.25pm: reserve grade, Aberdeen v Muswellbrook

4pm: first grade, Singleton v Denman

10am: league tag, Scone v Murrurundi

11.15am: under-18s, Singleton v Muswellbrook

12.40pm: reserve grade, Scone v Merriwa

2.15pm: first grade, Scone v Aberdeen