Battistello, who directed his team from the sidelines in last Saturday's qualifying final at Clarke Oval, after withdrawing from the match, last night said he was confident of playing, but would face a fitness test first.

At yesterday's MECU Ballarat Football League media conference, veteran Lakers defender Reus said his coach would have a big influence over the outcome of the match whether he played or not.

''I'm not sure if Batters will play or if he is focusing on the coaching side of things,'' he said.

''(Battistello's selection) will be based purely on his fitness.

''He has got a good footy brain, so it doesn't matter whether he is coaching from the sidelines or not.

''Whether he plays or not, he will have an influence.''

Lake Wendouree and Ballarat are just one win away from playing in this season's grand final.

Reus said there were no other injury concerns from last weekend's final at Sunbury and, with the Lake Wendouree reserves comprehensively beating East Point at the same venue, up to six other players will be pressing for selection.

''Given how well the reserves played, there could be some headaches at selection,'' he said.