And he’s confident they can.

The red and whites ended the 2016 All Age A grade regular season in third place, but have previously accounted for both of the teams – minor premiers Waratah FC and Waratah Old Boys – throughout the winter.

Barnies knocked off FC in round one, 3-2, while a 4-2 victory over Old Boys as late as August 6 is enough reason for optimism from Jacobs.

“We certainly are,” Jacobs fired when asked if his side is capable of making a run at this year’s title, with Waratah City in the premiership’s minor semi-final at Jack Brabham Park.

“We had a really great start to the season, but a couple of big losses towards the end of the year set us back a bit.

“We’ve picked our stride back up now and we’re back where we want to be.

“We’re confident.”

This week, Jacob’s men have every right to be.

They’ve beaten Waratah City on both occasions they’ve met in 2016, a 5-0 and 4-0 wins indicative of the dominance the red and whites hold of Saturday’s opposition.

Wary not to be over confident, Jacobs said a strong performance in week one of the finals has the potential to springboard his side on to bigger and better things against the likes of FC and Old Boys.

“It’s not the time of year to be complacent, is it,” he said.

“It’s going to take a good all-round performance, attack and defence, to get over the line.

“We’ve beaten every side this year. FC is one of those great aggressive sides and Old Boys is a great attacking team. 

“But if we play our best we can match them.”

Jacobs said the likes of young goalkeeper Joe Kay would be key for Branstoneworth come kick-off in their must-win minor semi-final against City.

“He’s been a stand-out for us for a number of weeks now. I think he’s only 16 too, which is amazing,” Jacobs said.

Barnstoneworth United takes on Waratah City from 3.15pm at Jack Brabham Park on Saturday.

Minor premiers Waratah FC will clash with Waratah Old Boys from 3.15pm at Waratah Sportsground in the major semi-final, the winner booking immediate passage through to this year’s A grade grand final.

In B grade’s A division, Waratah FC takes on Saints in the major semi-final, while KWS 1sts will face Waratah Wolfpack in the minor. Barbarians take on Barnstoneworth United in the B division preliminary final.