The Western Force are daring to dream of a historic first Super Rugby finals appearance, which will happen if they beat the Brumbies in Canberra this Friday night.

The Force came into Super Rugby in 2006 and have at times been the laughing stock in Australian rugby, but that has all changed this season in coach Michael Foley’s second year in charge.

The Force got off to a flying start at home on Saturday night against the Reds to lead 17-3. They then recovered from the Reds levelling the match at 20-apiece with 10 minutes left to score the last 10 points of the game on the back of a converted try to hooker Nathan Charles.

The Force have already had their best season with nine victories, but a 10th this Friday in Canberra against the Brumbies will mean they play finals in 2014. The problem is, the Brumbies are in exactly the same situation needing to win to make it as well.

“We are really excited for the chance to fulfil our second goal of trying to win 10 games,” Foley said.

“I don’t think anybody thought we would win the first 10. So to get to this point with one to play and one to win, it’s really important for our spirits to now go out and put in a good performance.”

The Force welcomed back soon-to-be departed winger Nick Cummins and he scored the first try on Saturday night, while halves Alby Mathewson and Sias Ebersohn could be back to face the Brumbies. But flanker Hugh McMeniman could be suspended for dropping a knee on Ben Lucas.

However, all that Foley is focused on is trying to beat the Brumbies on Friday.

“I reckon there has been times this year when we’ve taken our eye a little bit off the ball and haven’t played as well as we wanted,” Foley said.

“The simple thing for us to do is go about doing everything we can to try and win this game on Friday night. We will throw everything into that, not worry about anything else and knowing if we do that, we will get through.”

Force skipper Matt Hodgson is perhaps having the best season of his nine-year career with the Force and is excited at the chance to play finals for the first time.

“Going through all those tough times and getting a few good results last year, and now getting some momentum and consistency this year has been great,” Hodgson said.

“We are pushing for that 10th win now and to get that first finals experience would be great in the back end of my career after all the hard work for nine years so far.”