Ararat is coming off a thrilling one-goal victory against Horsham Saints last week, a victory that will continue to spur the side on come Saturday.

“We’re on a massive high after that win. It gives us a bit more self belief,” Ararat A Grade coach Donna Spalding said.

The Rats have a chance to put a significant dint in Dimboola’s finals hopes, making the run towards finals and a potential top three spot much more likely. 

It was a hard-fought contest when the sides last met in round three this season, with the Rats storming home to come from behind and win in a high-scoring affair.

Despite the Roos having won three less games than Ararat, Spalding expects another tough contest.

“We have great respect for Dimboola, they are a very competitive team,” she said.

“They have two great goalies so we will have to try and limit the supply of the ball to them.”

Despite receiving a significant confidence boost from last weekend’s win, Spalding said her players are not getting ahead of themselves.

“We have got a fair few experienced players in our team so they have remained grounded,” she said.

“It is not in our nature as a team to get ahead of ourselves.”

Victory over Dimboola on Saturday could help the Rats move inside the top three as well as create an 18-point buffer between them and the next nearest top-five contender.