WFL - The Ararat Rats will be hoping their recent form against top five teams can continue when the team takes on Wimmera Football League powerhouse Dimboola tomorrow.
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This weekend the curtain will fall on the Rats' season but before the side can farewell 2013 joint-coach David Hosking said his charges must make sure the hard work of the past month does not come undone.
"It is really important that we finish the season off well, but it is a pretty hard one to be honest," he said.
"I think based on results it would suggest that Dimboola on their home ground will win, but then again results suggested Horsham should beat us by 15 goals and that didn't happen and Warrack to beat us by six goals and that didn't happen.
"We will go up there and try our best and who knows what can happen on the day."
With the strong-bodied Nick Brain certain to miss the clash following a hamstring strain last week, the Rats will be hoping backman Will Bell can return from injury for one last hitout and add much needed experience to the lineup.
Hosking and Andrew Louder will also be sweating on the fitness of centreman Jack Ganley (hamstring) and hard nut Corey Billett (ankle) following last Saturday's slog in the wet, which has seen the majority of the playing group nursed through this week.
Hosking said the Rats have played some of their best football in the past month, with strong showings against finalists the Horsham Demons and Warrack Eagles.
He said little things are starting to fall into place Structures are beginning to take place naturally, the midfield is working hard running back as well as forward and the players are making the most of their opportunities in front of goals.
"I am really, really happy with how we have played in the last four weeks," Hosking said.
"With this being the last game of the season we just have to go out there and treat it like our grand final, give it our best shot and really build on the momentum we've got going in the last few weeks."
Several key match-ups that will have a big influence on the outcome of the match will be played out in Ararat's back half.
When the two teams faced off in round nine Dimboola ball magnet Ash Clugston went into the contest as one of the red-hot Toohey Medal favourites, however he was kept quiet by the reliable James Hosking, and Hosking will be looked upon to perform the same task tomorrow.
Veteran Peter McFarlane didn't play with the Roos last time the side clashed with Ararat, but since rejoining the Dimboola lineup at the end of June the forward has featured in the best players in four of his five matches Expect Brady Miller to be given first shot at nullifying the dangerous sharp shooter.
The third key match up will be centred around one of the league's top goal kickers Lachie Excell.
Peter Thompson is a likely candidate to take on Excell, who has booted 65 goals so far this season and is sitting second in the Wimmera goal tally.
Hosking said one of the most positive elements of recent weeks has been the contribution of all 21 players.
"They all have impressed me at various times in the past month," he said.
"Blokes like Corey Billett and Jacob Bates have been playing well, Brendon Lovell I thought was one of our best against Nhill.
"All the blokes have impressed me at different stages and I think that's one of the main reasons we have been performing the way we have been, because everyone is standing up."