To see the Mariners training for their Gold Coast Clash,
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Mariners coach Graham Arnold confirmed he would make a final decision on Simon's fitness after seeing how his leading goalpoacher pulled up after training on Friday.

In what has been a frustrating month for Simon, the frontman was a late withdrawal from last week's major semi-final second leg draw against Brisbane after sustaining a nasty gash while walking his dog on the beach.

Simon attempted to run for the first time on Wednesday after being on light duties early in the week but sat out Thursday morning's training session, opting to watch instead from the stands.

Arnold wants to see if Simon can make it through a session today before making a final decision.

But Simon is determined he can take to the field for the do or die clash.

"It's a time thing," Simon said. "I'm desperate to play. I"m confident. It's getting better and better every day so I'm feeling pretty good now."

Arnold has been unwilling to take risks with injured players throughout the campaign and is unlikely to change his stance, despite the importance of Saturday night's contest.

"Matty is a big part of the team but I won't be taking any risks for such an important game," Arnold said.

"He'll need to train fully on Friday to have any chance of playing. We can't afford to take players who are not 100 percent into the game.

"But I am hopeful because he is moving quiet freely."

Daniel McBreen and Adam Kwasnik started upfront with Simon out last week and are expected to start again if the striker does not pull up.

Youth team star Bernie Ibini-Isei scored on his starting debut for the Mariners against Gold Coast last month and is also in contention for game time against the in-form Queenslanders.

To see the Mariners training for their Gold Coast Clash,
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PICTURES