Ararat Rats will have a chance to extend their winning streak when they host Minyip-Murtoa in the Wimmera Football League round four match on Saturday.
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The Rats are coming off a win against Dimboola prior to the interleague bye and will be looking to notch up another win against the Burras.
Ararat coach Terry Keilar said the team used the week off to work on some things that coaches and leaders had identified.
“We had a light week last week then we picked it up this week with some extra running during training,” he said.
“Our leadership group did a review after the first three games and we have started to work on some of those things on the track.
“It has been a bit of a stop and go start to the season but hopefully we can get some consistency with three games in a row now.”
The team gelled together a lot better in the round three win and Keilar said the result will give them confidence ahead of the match against the Burras.
“The boys were definitely relieved and pleased to get the win and they took the belief they can run the game out,” he said.
“You want those sorts of wins to build confidence and self belief and take it into the next few games.”
The Burras sit in second position and have not lost a game this season.
Keilar said the Rats will need to be at their best to match them on the field.
“Damo has obviously got them going well and they are playing some good footy,” he said.
“We have reviewed the game style they have and talked about how we go about counteracting that.
“They are big and strong but we will put some things into place and hopefully we can get up and grab the win.”
The home team is also battling a growing injury list with the week off unable to reduce it.
Keilar said that despite the number of players missing, the club will not be using it as an excuse.
“We have a few blokes who will have to step up,” he said.
“We have a few injuries plus we need to wait to see who is selected in the Rebels team as well before we settle on our final team for the match.”
Minyip-Murtoa has struggled when playing in Ararat in the past and it is not something that has escaped Keilar’s thoughts.
“Traditionally they have not liked to come down here, I am not sure if it is because it is a bigger ground and whilst there is some historical things, the fact is this year they are travelling well and will be hard to beat,” he said.
“We need to be straighter in front of goal and win the hard ball, especially if it is wet. “Minyip Murtoa are a big bodied team, we have not had a wet weather game, we have faith in our players that whoever runs out in the Ararat jumper will get the win.”