A concussion could keep Ainslie star Ben Jamieson on ice until grand final weekend should the Tricolours earn the right to defend their title.
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Jamieson will miss Ainslie's AFL Canberra major semi-final clash against the Belconnen Magpies as he deals with the effects of an elbow from Queanbeyan's Jayden Cutts.
His absence will be a major blow as Ainslie continue their search for a fourth consecutive flag at Alan Ray Oval on Saturday.
Tricolours coach Chris Rourke will not rush Jamieson back into action as the club puts the player before their premiership ambitions.
But it may ease the pressure on Ainslie as they deal with the competition heavyweights tag - although Rourke does not see his side as such.
"We don't see ourselves as favourites, we think it's a very even competition," Rourke said.
Ainslie have once again been the dominant side during the regular season having stormed to another minor premiership in a canter.
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But earning a place in the grand final will be no mean feat for a Tricolours outfit looking to become the first team to win four titles on the trot since the Sydney Swans reserves played in the competition.
Belconnen will be buoyed by the presence of four veterans in Lex Bennett, Chris York, Ryan Turnbull and James Bennett who will form a quartet for the first time this year.
This will provide the Magpies with some inspiration against the premiership favourites.
"We've got the opportunity to play each other three times throughout the year so we know each other pretty well," James Bennett said.
The Queanbeyan Tigers will host the minor semi-final against the Eastlake Demons at Margaret Donoghoe Oval on Sunday.
Their standing on the table sets up an identical finals series to the one AFL Canberra hosted last season - and Eastlake are looking to replicate their fairytale run to the decider.
"We've found ourselves in this position a lot over the last few years," Eastlake coach Peter McGrath said.
For Queanbeyan coach Adrian Pavese, the equation is far more simple.
"Our first step is to win a final," Pavese said.
"We haven't won a final for the past two years."
It is a scenario he is desperate to change but Eastlake are feeling confident they can be the dark-horse once again as they enter sudden death football.
AFL CANBERRA
Saturday: Major semi-final - Ainslie Tricolours v Belconnen Magpies at Alan Ray Oval, 1.15pm.
Sunday: Minor semi-final - Queanbeyan Tigers v Eastlake Demons at Margaret Donoghoe Oval, 1.15pm.
