Rats coach Tahnee Walker said she is expecting a fierce battle with so much at stake.

“We are not overly confident but the Horsham Saints are the only team to beat us this year, we have beaten the Burras both times we played them this year,” she said.

“Minyip-Murtoa are known to be finals specialist who are a little older, so we will have to be wary of that experience they have.

“They are a very smart side, so we need to make sure we do not play too fast but we will have an advantage with speed and fitness across the court I think.”

Walker said the team respects Minyip-Murtoa and know they cannot let it be a high-scoring match.

“Their goalies are quite solid and very accurate, so we will have to prevent them getting too much supply,” she said.

“If it gets down there, it will be too late to stop them scoring,

“Our pressure should help us win the ball, our defensive pressure has been talked about a lot this week.

“I do not think it will be a shootout but Georgia Fleming could not miss last week  for us and I am hoping for another strong game from her on Saturday.

“We will need all seven players to put in for the full four quarters to get the win.”

The match is set for a 12.30pm start at Horsham’s Coughlin Park.

The winner of the preliminary final will face Horsham Saints in the grand final at Dimboola Recreation Reserve on September 23.