WFL - The Ararat Rats are preparing for a third consecutive week of slugging it out in the wet when the team travels to Coughlin Park tomorrow to take on the Horsham Saints in round 13 of the Wimmera Football League.
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The Rats head into the match with a number of players missing following a bruising encounter against Minyip/Murtoa.
Peter Thompson was suspended for two weeks by the Wimmera tribunal on Wednesday night following a strike on Burras' ball winner Clinton Midgley, while Jon Noy (ankle) and Will Bell (hamstring) will also miss.
"We don't know the extent of Will's injury at this stage, but it is not looking promising. It is a pelvic, back, hamstring related injury," Ararat joint-coach David Hosking said.
"Gee I have been impressed with him this season, so it is a massive loss, no doubt about that."
Hosking said the Rats would also miss the work rate of Noy and Thompson's strength and ability to defend, which will be a critical element in tomorrow's match.
With the Saints' attack boasting veteran forward Gavin Kelm and big man Heath Watson, along with goal kicking onballers Phil Butsch and Jacob Cooke-Harrison, the Rats will have their hands full restricting the home team's scoring ability.
"I hate to admit it but we will have to play a more defensive brand of football," Hosking said.
"The main focus is not purely about limiting the damage, but we just need to defend hard first of all and then attack where we can.
"Our usual style is that we like to get the ball into space and run onto it, but the reality is if you are building a team from scratch it starts in defence and everyone needs to carry that mindset to a degree."
After three impressive senior performances Jamie Whitehead will return to the under 17s, which will pave the way for fellow junior Matt North to make his senior debut.
"Jamie Whitehead got three senior games and would have learnt a lot, but we don't see the benefit in him having to back up another match against strong bodied opponents after last week's slog," Hosking said.
"Matt North will come up and he has a bit of size about him, so it will be good to see him get a taste of senior football.
"I did say Corey Bell would come back into the team last week and he didn't, but I am 99 per cent sure he will this weekend and he is really getting back to the form he was in last year."
Bernie Peoples and Jack Ganley may also be in line for selection.
After going down to Stawell and Minyip/Murtoa in the wet during the past fortnight, the forecast of more showers tomorrow is not a welcome sign for Ararat.
It will be up to the team's more mature players to lead the way once again, with Nick Maddison, Aaron Searle, Alan Batchelor and Jake Williamson all serviceable against the Burras.
Both Hosking and Andrew Louder have emphasised the need to maintain structures, particularly in wet conditions.
Hosking said although the scoreboard may not have shown it, he was happier with the Rats’ effort last Saturday compared with the previous week against the Warriors.
“I did think we structured up better against Minyip, but the unfortunate reality of last week was the weather didn’t allow anyone to play good footy,” he said.
“We stuck to the structures but it is hard to say we got the rewards because we didn’t really, but I am happy with everyone’s ability to run the game out.
“Let’s not forget we had no bench after halftime and they were all pretty exhausted by the end of the game, so you’ve got to acknowledge that effort.”
The Rats have enjoyed a lighter week on the training track, which Hosking said will help get all 21 players primed and ready for the contest against the Saints.
“There is not much to be gained from flogging them on a Thursday night in conditions that aren’t great,” he said.
“We have tried to keep them fresh and ready for Saturday, especially since we have a fair few boys aged 16 to 20 in their first full season of senior football. They are a bit tired and we need to work on nursing them through the rest of the year.”