Despite the recent tragic earthquake in Christchurch, Otago United's players based in that city will still turn out against Waitakere United in tomorrow's match at Tahuna Park.
Otago coach Malcolm Fleming thought it fitting that players who had contributed so much to the national league campaign should be able to take part in the final game of the season.
"I appreciate that our Christchurch-based players will have their own problems after such a tragedy, but ... they are keen, and we are keen to have them in this final match," Fleming said.
"Keeper Adam Highfield has been exceptional, and was named in the January team of the month. Tom Sadd is a rock in central defence, Jimmy Reichwein has given his all, and recently Chris Anderson has led our attack superbly.
"If Nathan Knox, now in Australia, had been allowed to play with Chris [Anderson], they could have been dynamic, and I am sure we would have collected many more points."
He also acknowledged the imports' contribution in setting standards for young local players such as striker Ant Hancock, Harley Rodeka and Tom Connor to emulate.
Of course, Otago's own key players, Andy Coburn, Tim Horner, Aaron Burgess and Tristan Prattley, also helped drive local youngsters onwards at training and in carefully selected matches.
Football nomad Paul Seaman will make his 91st national league appearance, if selected.
Seaman has scored 12 goals for three clubs - Auckland City, Waitakere United and Otago United - since the competition began in 2004.
Otago United has beaten Waitakere United just once since the revamped league began in 2004.
That was a 1-0 home success in 2005.
Since then, it has drawn two and lost five at home to the West Aucklanders.
Victory for Waitakere United would seal the minor premiership.
League sponsor ASB has provided match balls to be given free to the first 100 cars at Tahuna Park.
There will be no admission charge, and a Red Cross collection will be made to send funds north to Christchurch.
Otago v Waitakere
Tahuna Park, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago United: Adam Highfield, Tom Sadd, Paul Seaman, Aaron Burgess, Andy Coburn, James Reichwein, Callum Flaws, James Govan, Harley Rodeka, Chris Anderson, Matt Brook, Liam Lockhart, Ant Hancock, Curtis Day, Tristan Prattley, Morgan Day, Sam Mephan.
Waitakere United: Danny Robinson, Jason Rowley, Aaron Scott, Tim Myers, Jack Pelter, Martin Bullock, Chris Bale, Allan Pearce, Mike Gwyther, Tim Payne, Neil Emblen, Jake Butler, Zane Sole, Dakota Lucas, Ryan De Vries, Luke Adams, Andy Ralph.
